Recycling service FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about the refuse and recycling service.

What happens to the recycling material?

If you are a resident of Charnwood, then the materials from your recycling bin (or bag) currently go to Casepak, which is a materials recycling facility in Leicester.

Your co-mingled materials are separated using state of the art equipment and then baled and sent to various companies for reprocessing. Visit the Less Waste website to see examples of what the materials are turned into. The list of materials gives the material end destinations for the previous month.

For more information and to watch a video on how the recycling is sorted please visit the Casepak website. 

I have run out of sacks, how do I get some more?

You should get replacement sacks left after your collection, if you recycle a lot and have run out before your next delivery is due you can call us on 01509 634563 and we can get some to you.

In the villages, your local parish council may be able to supply small quantities to keep you going.

What hours is the tip open?

Check out our page on recycling and waste disposal sites (tips) for more information on tip opening times.

How much does the recycling and refuse service cost as my Council Tax rates are high?

For example a band D property in Charnwood charge was £1208.98 for 2006. This raises very high expectations of the refuse and recycling service which actually costs each household only £47.09.

Most of the remainder goes to Leicestershire County Council for Education, Social Services, and Highways. About £170 goes to the Emergency Services, and the parish and town councils take an average of £40.

I am not able to put vegetable peelings and organic kitchen waste etc. into the brown garden waste bin, so where can these go?

Into a compost bin which can be obtained from Leicestershire County Council.

Call 0844 571 4444 or order online at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/waste-and-recycling/order-a-compost-bin.

What do we do if we can't fit all our rubbish into the black bin, as the bin lid now has to be completely closed?

Any waste left at the side of the bin, or bags that are causing the lid to be open will not be taken. If you have excess waste due to a clear out etc. you can take the waste to your local household waste site.

Why does the council charge for bulky collections and garden wheelie bins when other councils do not?

The charge for bulky waste collections was introduced on October 6, 2019 following a Cabinet meeting in July 2019. We are not obliged to provide the entire service for free as a council. All the other councils in Leicestershire charge for bulky waste collections, Charnwood being the last one to introduce a charge.

What will happen if non recyclable rubbish is found in my green bin?

If you place the wrong items in your green wheelie bin we will make you aware of this by using stickers or bin tags.  If the problem continues on a number of occasions you may be issued with a fixed penalty notice (£60) for incorrect use of a waste bin.

I am a business, how do I dispose of my waste?

You need to ring any of the commercial waste contractors and arrange a contract.

Why do I have to put rubbish out by 6am?

Because the collection starts at 6am and the drivers do not always follow the same route.

If you miss my bin, when will you come back to collect it?

We aim to revisit your house if we’ve missed your bin within one working day. If calls are received by 12pm we will normally return the same day.

I live in a terraced property where should I present my wheelie bin and recycling box/bags?

For terraced properties with no front gardens wheelie bins (and recyclables) should be presented for collection:

• At an unlocked back gate (or gateway) which opens onto the alleyway.
• If the householder wishes to keep the back gate locked it should be presented on the alleyway side of that gate.
• The contractor should return the wheeled bin (or box) to wherever it was presented.
• If for whatever reason wheelie bins end up on the street they should be returned to the back garden as soon as possible after collect.