New mixed recycling and rubbish bins

Why are we introducing new bins

In March 2022, we ran a trial in Queen’s Park ward and provided households with a blue mixed recycling bin and a black rubbish bin. The aim of the trial was to increase the use of our recycling service, and the results saw a 100% increase in the number of residents recycling.

The new bins will help you to recycle more easily and reduce the amount we throw away in the rubbish. This will ensure less is wasted and help us tackle climate change. The new bins will also make it neater to store mixed recycling and rubbish outside your homes.

Westminster’s household recycling rate has increased to 25% but we want to increase this even higher and we are providing you with mixed recycling bins to make it easier for you to recycle.

Who will get new bins

Following the success of the trial, we are delivering new bins to properties who have space to store these bins in their front gardens, across Queen’s Park, Harrow Road, and Westbourne wards.

We have provided bins to suitable properties in Queen’s Park ward during August 2024. If you have not yet received your bins and you live in Queen’s Park please email the Recycling Team on [email protected] or call our Contact Centre on 020 7641 2000.

We will deliver bins to suitable properties in Harrow Road ward from mid-September 2024. Residents living in suitable properties in Westbourne ward will receive bins later in 2024.

Using your new bins

Each suitable property will receive:

• One 110L blue bin for mixed recycling. Please ensure that recycling continues to be put in our clear mixed recycling bags and securely tied.
• One 110L black bin for household rubbish. Please ensure that your rubbish continues to be put in bags and securely tied.
• Two packs of clear recycling bags. Additional bags can be ordered online or collected from your local library for free.
• One roll of food waste bin liners. Additional liners can be ordered by contacting the Recycling Team or collected from your local library for free. Find out more information about this service.

Please note we will provide one set of bins per two flats. If you would prefer one set of bins per flat, please let us know.

We will provide some properties with smaller 85L bins where front garden space is limited.

Find a suitable place for your new bins on your property. Make sure they are visible to our collection crews and in a location that our crews can easily access. You do not need to put the bins out on the street on your collection day.

Your new bins, on average, are made from 65% recycled plastics.

Mixed recycling

• Check what you can recycle from your home then give these items a quick rinse and dry, if necessary, and reattach any lids onto plastic bottles. If you have any cardboard boxes, make sure to flatten them.
• Use one of our clear mixed recycling bags and put your mixed recycling items inside.
• Fill the mixed recycling bag up as much as possible before taking them securely tied to the blue mixed recycling bin.
• Don’t put loose items in your bin.
• Additional mixed recycling bags can be picked up from your local library or ordered online.
• About 60% of items can be recycled in Westminster, check what items can be recycled in your household mixed recycling collection, food waste bins and at your local micro-recycling centres.
• There are 160 micro-recycling centres in Westminster which allow you to recycle food, mixed recycling, small electricals, books, and mixed textiles. Check what bins your local centres have before taking items.

Rubbish

• Collect your rubbish in bin bags. We don't provide rubbish bags for residents.
• Don’t put loose items in your bin, put your bag in the bin securely tied.

Food waste

Most properties in Westminster can now recycle their food waste.

Any food can be put in your food waste bin including plate scrapings, eggshells, tea, or coffee grounds.

Depending on your property we provide:

• Silver kitchen food waste bins, 5 litres.
• Black outdoor food waste bins, 23 litres.
• Food waste liners (each roll has 52 liners).

Find out more about the food waste recycling service.

What are your collection days

Your collection days will remain the same. Please remember to ensure:

• Your bin can be easily seen and accessed by the collection crews
• Your recycling and rubbish are bagged and securely tied
• Your bin can be easily seen and accessed by the collections crews. You do not need to put the bins out on the street on your collection day.

I have not received my blue and black bins yet

We cannot offer a bin if there is no space to store the bin on the property.

Please contact the Recycling Team to check the arrangements for your individual property on [email protected] or call our Contact Centre on 020 7641 2000. Please provide you full address and we will review your property again.

What about your old bins

We are happy to remove old bins and any black recycling boxes or baskets from your property. Please note that this will happen after our teams have finished all the bin deliveries in your ward. Please be specific about the bins or recycling boxes you would like removed.

If your landlord provides your bins, please check with them first before asking for the bins to be removed.

Please contact [email protected] or call our Contact Centre on 020 7641 2000 and request their removal. Please be specific about the containers you would like to be removed. We will aim to recycle any old plastic or metal containers that are removed.

What if you don’t want new bins

If you want to continue using your current bins, or don’t have space for them in the front garden, then you do not have to use them. If you do not want them, please either email the Recycling Team on [email protected] or call our Contact Centre on 020 7641 2000 and we will request that our Operations Team do not deliver these bins to you.

We want as many residents to recycle as possible so we can provide a blue recycling bin if you do not want both bins. If you want a black rubbish bin, we encourage you to have both and find out how easy it is to recycle in Westminster.

If you live in a property which is split into more than one household and you don’t want the bins but your neighbours do, we recommend that you talk to your neighbours. Once you have made your decision and all residents agree, please contact using the contact details above.

What if my new bins get damaged

If your new bins are damaged or go missing we will replace them free of charge. Please contact [email protected] or call our Contact Centre on 020 7641 2000.