Council Policy regarding the purchase of wheeled bins

Why doesn't the Council provide wheeled bins free-of-charge?

In 1997 the Council started using wheeled bins for refuse collection throughout Elmbridge since they are the cleanest and safest way of storing and collecting waste. They are also very popular. At the time every property was provided with a wheeled bin by the Council as a replacement for the traditional dustbin, which could not be emptied mechanically by the new type of refuse collection vehicle.

Having already provided everyone with a wheeled bin, which subject to normal wear and tear should last for up to 5 years, the Council now believed it reasonable to ask the householder to pay for its replacement.

Therefore, in common with many other authorities the Council now asks the householders to provide a wheeled bin to a reoccupied property or where the existing wheeled bin is no longer serviceable. Developers are expected to provide a wheeled bin to new properties. The Council's waste collection contractor will continue to replace wheeled bins that are damaged whilst being emptied, except bins damaged as a result of normal wear and tear.

Wheeled bins may be purchased from most large garden centres, DIY stores and on-line from the Council at very competitive prices.

Do I have to provide and use a wheeled bin for refuse collection?

To ensure refuse is collected cleanly, safely, and efficiently, the Council has specified it will only collect refuse from wheeled bins. It can make this legal requirement under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This legislation may also be used to require the householder to provide the wheeled bin.