Garden waste collections
Many households with gardens are provided with a green wheeled bin for garden waste. Please see below for details of how to take part.
What can you put into the green bin
You can put these items loose in your garden waste bin:
| Yes please | Don't put these into your green bin |
|
leaves and bark grass cuttings and hedge clippings cut flowers and house plants garden plants and flowers windfall fruit twigs and small branches garden weeds (except the particularly invasive varieties such as Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed and Ragwort which should not be put into the green bin) pot plant compost bedding from small vegetarian pets, such as rabbits Christmas trees and wreaths (must be inside the bin and please remove any decorations and plastic) | soil and rubble Invasive weeds such as Japanese knotweed, Giant hogweed and Ragwort (seek advice on safe disposal from the Environment Agency) NO food and other kitchen waste pet and animal waste plastic, paper, cardboard and other packaging general household rubbish nappies |
When are collections?
To make things as easy as possible, your rubbish, garden waste and recycling collections will take place on the same day each week: your recycling and garden waste (where applicable) are collected one week, rubbish the next week and so on.
Please contact us to find out your collection day and week. All households are provided with a new collection calendar each year. Unfortunately it is not currently possible to put the collection calendars and street list on the website.
Bank Holidays
In 2012 there will be no changes to household rubbish, garden waste and kerbside recycling collections in weeks containing a Bank Holiday, except Christmas and New Year (details to be confirmed). All collections will be on your normal day.
Why can't I put kitchen waste or vegetable/fruit peelings in the wheelie bin?
The Animal By-products legislation does not allow kitchen waste and garden waste to be composted together. You could start composting at home by buying a home compost bin for your own kitchen waste at home.
What should I do if I have more garden waste than will fit inside the bin?
Please make sure your garden waste is inside your wheeled bin with the lid shut. Do not put the waste into bags.
You could buy a home compost bin to compost your own kitchen waste at home. Alternatively you could take your extra garden waste to a Household Waste Recycling Centre for composting.
Need a bin?
If you requested a new or replacement garden waste bin between 9 December 2011 and 31 March 2012, but have not yet received it, you will receive your container after 2 April. Please click here for full information about when we are delivering in your area.
Please contact us if you need to request a replacement garden waste bin.
Ward garden waste collections (bags)
Some households in Fishergate, Micklegate and Clifton wards have previously had garden waste collections using special biodegradable bags. These collections were funded by the ward but will stop from 31 March 2012.
What happens to the garden waste once it has been collected?
The garden waste is composted at Yorwaste Ltd's facility at Harewood Whin, Rufforth, to produce a soil conditioner. Some of this is bagged and sold at the three household waste recycling centres in York for £2.50 for a 50 litre bag. We also give away free compost to residents. See our compost pages for details of the free compost give aways.
Frozen bin policy during winter
Due to the high water content of material in garden bins we occasionally find bins that have frozen during cold weather. When the water freezes it expands so the material inside the bin is stuck against the sides. This may prevent us from emptying the bin. Where possible, we will check back later in the day. However, as the British weather is so unpredictable, it may not be possible to empty the bin until the next scheduled collection day.
Help with collections
Please contact us if you need help with your rubbish, garden waste ir recycling collections. Residents who have difficulties putting the recycling boxes or wheeled bin out for collection, due to reasons of age and disability, should get in touch with the council to see if they are eligible for an assisted collection.
To apply for an assisted collection service please contact us to request the application form.
