Bins and Recycling FAQs
Buying a bin
What bins do I need to purchase?
Owner/ Occupiers are responsible for the purchase of general waste bins (black/grey) for their properties.
Landlord are also responsible for the provision of these bins to tenants.
Each household should present a maximum of 1 x 240L general waste bin (unless they have been approved for larger capacity due to number of occupants/ medical needs).
General waste bins need to be purchased.
Recycling bins and containers are supplied by Council free of charge.
Further details available from our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0).
What size of bins are available to buy?
A standard general waste bin is 240L.
Householders can purchase either 240L or 360L bins* (*please note only householders who have been approved for larger capacity due to number of occupants/ medical needs can present 360L or 2 x 240L).
- 240L bins are available at £32.15 each (inc. delivery) with 5 yr guarantee against splits or defects.
- 360L* bin are available at £50.40 each (inc. delivery) with 5 yr guarantee against splits or defects.
How many bins can I have collected from my property?
A standard general waste bin is 240L.
Only householders who have been approved for larger capacity due to number of occupants/ medical needs can present 360L or 2 x 240L.
How much is a new refuse bin?
240L bins are available at £32.15 each (inc. delivery) with 5 yr guarantee against splits or defects.
360L* bin are available at £50.40 each (inc. delivery) with 5 yr guarantee against splits or defects.
(*please note only householders who have been approved for larger capacity due to number of occupants/ medical needs can present 360L or 2 x 240L).
What payment options are available to buy a new bin?
Payments can be made online, over the phone or in person.
Can I pick up my bin after I have paid for it?
Purchase of a new black bin includes delivery.
Black bins cannot be collected from any of our sites or depots.
If you are a new resident and wish to have your free entitlement of recycling containers delivered with a bin purchase please make a note of this online or/ at the time of payment to Cashdesk.
We can arrange for these to be delivered to you all at one time.
How long will my bin take to deliver?
Bin delivery will take between 3-5 working days from receipt of payment.
I am a tenant, who pays for my bin?
Landlords are also responsible for the provision of (general waste) black bins to tenants.
Does my new bin come with a guarantee?
All bins purchased from Council offer a 5-year guarantee against splits or defects.
(Bins purchased from another supplier are not guaranteed by council).
Does Council offer any concessions?
Council currently offers a discount for the trade-in of an existing damaged black bin – when ordering a new bin.
The normal purchase price for a 240L black bin is £32.15.
By trading in an old 240L black bin, you will receive a discounted price of £32.15.
NB: note this when paying online or ordering at Cashdesk.
Please be aware your old bin must be available to be removed during the delivery period (3-5 working days).
Old bins will be taken away at the time of delivery.
Can I have a bin delivered to a different address?
We understand a householder may be purchasing a bin for a family member/ someone else – please ensure when providing contact details online or at Cashdesk this is flagged.
This will ensure the bin is delivered to the correct address.
NB: If you are purchasing online the delivery address will be ‘location address’.
Do I need to be home when my new bin is delivered?
You are not required to be at home when your new bin(s) are delivered.
Our delivery personnel will be able to follow any instructions left at the time of purchase.
Deliveries will take place during normal working hours – Monday to Friday; it normally takes 3 - 5 working days from receipt of payment.
I have a bin from my previous house, can I use it?
Council require households to present general waste in a standard 240L black/grey bin which is in clean/ safe condition.
However, we do not require householder to purchase from Council.
Standard 240L bins are available to purchase from a number of suppliers.
NB: Council will only guarantee against splits or defects up to 5 yrs for bins purchased from ourselves.
If your bin has been purchased elsewhere please refer to the supplier for guarantee options.
Damaged/ Replacement bins
My bin is split, how do I get a replacement?
Council offer a guarantee against splits or defects up to 5 yrs for bins purchased from ourselves.
If your bin has been purchased elsewhere please refer to the supplier for your guarantee options.
Splits on the body of a bin are considered normal wear and tear due to stress on the bin cavity over a period of time.
Ways to help prevent your bin splitting prematurely:
-
Do not overfill/ overload your bin
-
Manage minor splits as soon as possible with tape
-
Protect your bin (where possible) from excessive exposure to frost/ water
If your bin is split and you would like to confirm if it is under council guarantee please contact our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) and an officer will visit to determine bin age/ condition for use.
Please note: any additional recycling bins over and above the 2 containers that are provided for each recycling service as standard, will not be replaced if they are lost in the lorry.
Many split bins can still safely be used.
Your collection crews will automatically report issues with bins to our back office, these reports will highlight any bins which may not be able to be collected for health & safety reasons.
In this case a householder would normally receive a sticker on your bin indicated the particular issue.
Please contact your helpdesk for further information and advice on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) regarding split/ damaged bins.
The lid is missing from my bin, do I need to get a new one?
Many damaged/ missing lids of standard bins can be replaced without having to get a new bin.
Contact our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) and a member of our repair staff will assess your bin for suitability of repair.
If the lid cannot be fixed you will be notified of options for bin replacement.
The wheel(s) are damaged on my bin, can I get it fixed?
Many damaged/ missing wheels of standard bins can be replaced without having to get a new bin.
Contact our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) and a member of our repair staff will assess your bin for suitability of repair.
If the wheels cannot be fixed you will be notified of options for bin replacement.
My bin was lost in the lorry during collection, will Council replace it?
Occasionally a bin goes into the back of the lorry during collection.
Where possible our crews will inform householders (via a calling card) this has happened.
However, in cases of multiple bin presentation or unnumbered bins, this may not always be possible.
Crews will also inform our back-office staff if a ‘lost in lorry bin’ has occurred.
If it is confirmed your bin has been lost in one of our vehicles we will provide you with a new (like for like) bin (delivered within 3 working days) free of charge.
Please note: any additional recycling bins over and above the 2 containers that are provided for each recycling service as standard, will not be replaced if they are lost in the lorry.
If you believe your bin has been lost in the lorry please contact our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) where details will be verified.
My bin is missing after collection, what do I do?
-
A missing bin after collection may have mistakenly been taken in by a neighbour.
We would suggest checking your local area first to see if your bin is still around. -
Also occasionally a bin may go into the back of the lorry during collection.
Where possible our crews will inform householders (via a calling card) this has happened.
However, in cases of multiple bin presentation or unnumbered bins this may not always be possible.
Crews will also inform our back-office staff if a ‘lost in lorry bin’ has occurred.
If it is confirmed your bin has been lost in one of our vehicles we will provide you with a new (like for like) bin (delivered within 3 working days) free of charge.
If you believe your bin has been lost in the lorry please contact our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) where details will be verified.
-
Unfortunately, we are also aware of reports where bins are stolen.
Owner/ occupiers are responsible for replacement of stolen bins.
We would advise tenants to contact your landlord in these cases.
Further clarification is available from our helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0).
Do Council offer discounts on replacement bins?
Council currently offer a discount for the trade-in of an existing damaged black bin – when ordering a new bin.
The normal purchase price for a 240L black bin is £32.15.
By trading in your old bin, you receive a discounted price of £32.15.
NB: Make sure you note this is the option you want when paying online or ordering at cashdesk.
Please be aware your old bin must be available to be removed during delivery (within 3-5 working days).
Recycling Bins/Boxes
What bins/ boxes can I receive free of charge?
| Brown Bins | Blue Bins (Larne Only) | Red & Black Boxes (Ballymena/ Carrickfergus) |
| Householders ordering new brown bins are can request a maximum of 2 per household. | Householders ordering new brown bins can request a maximum of 2 per household. | Householders ordering new red & black boxes are entitled to an average of 2 per household. |
|
Brown bins can be ordered online or via the Helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) Delivery Only |
Blue bins can be ordered online or via the Helpdesk on T: 0300 124 5000 (0) Delivery Only |
Red and Black kerbie boxes should be collected from your local household recycling centre. |
Where can I collect recycling kerbie boxes from?
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver recycling kerbie boxes out directly to the householder.
My lid is missing from my red/black kerbie box, can it be replaced?
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver new lids directly to the householder.
My box is missing after collection, can I get a replacement?
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver replacement kerbie boxes out directly to the householder.
My recycling box is damaged, can it be exchanged?
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver replacement boxes out directly to the householder and take the damaged box away.
I need a new glass caddy for by blue bin, how do I get one?
Contact the Waste Helpdesk on 0300 124 5000 (Option 0).
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver new glass caddies directly to the householder.
I need a new kitchen caddy – how do I order one of these?
Contact the Waste Helpdesk on 0300 124 5000 (Option 0).
From 1 November 2023, Council will deliver new kitchen caddies directly to your household.
How do I get new caddy liners?
We will deliver households a roll of free caddy liners twice per year.
These will be placed on your brown bin.
Alternative options include using newspaper or kitchen roll to line caddys and these can be tipped into the brown bin along with food waste or the food can be tipped straight into the brown bin.
If you require additional bags, these can be purchased from existing outlets.
Trade Waste Bins
I am a business in the borough, how do I get new bins?
Full details about trade waste bins are available in the link below:
Do I need a contract with Council to purchase new bins?
Full details about trade waste bins are available in the link below:
For further information about ordering free bins/boxes or the purchase of a bin our team of helpdesk advisors are available on T: 0300 124 5000 (0).