Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Frequently asked questions - brown bins

How do I know when to put my bin out for emptying?

When you receive your brown bin you will receive a calendar which identifies all areas of collection with their collection days. Please keep this for future reference. The calendar can also be downloaded from the related documents section on the right of this page. For details of collections please also see Find out what day your rubbish, recycling or brown bin is collected. Please ensure that your bin is out at the collection point by 7am on the day of collection.

Where is my normal collection point?

Bins are normally collected from the usual place where refuse is left, at the kerbside or the edge of you property. Please ensure that your bin does not obstruct the pavement or highway.

I am unable to place my bin at the kerbside. Can I ask for assistance?

If you are physically unable to get your bin to the kerbside, and there is nobody available to do this for you, please let us know on the application form and we will contact you to arrange a visit.

Can I have more than one bin?

If you think that you need an additional bin you can apply for another bin. See How to order a brown bin. Additional bins carry the same annual charge of £33.

Will additional waste be collected if left next to the bin?

Only waste that is in the bin will be taken away. No 'side waste' will be collected with the one exception of Christmas trees.

What happens if my bin contains unsuitable items?

Bins containing any unsuitable items will not be emptied. Our waste contractors will leave notification as to why this has been left and will not normally return until the next scheduled collection day.

Why can’t I put kitchen waste in my bin?

Food waste needs to be treated at very high temperatures to avoid the risk of spreading disease. Such equipment is not yet available in Oxfordshire but there are plans to make this available in the next few years, at which time separate food waste collections will be considered.

Can I line my bin to keep it clean?

Under no circumstances should any plastic bags be placed in bins as this can contaminate loads and also damage shredding equipment.

What do I do if I think my bin has been missed?

First check your Brown bin collection calendar 2007-10 to ensure that you have the correct collection day, remembering to allow for possible changes during Bank Holiday periods. To check holiday collection arrangements please see Holiday collection dates. Next, check to see that it has not been emptied due to contamination with unsuitable contents. Finally, if the bin was at the usual collection point by 7am call the Council on 01235 520202 and report it as a possible non collection.

What do I do if I move house?

If you are moving house, either within the Vale or to another District, please call 01235 520202 for advice on the options open to you.