Bins, Communal Bins & Recycling Newsflash
6 Aug 2024
We have been experiencing increasing issues in a number of our flatted developments with overflowing rubbish and items being dumped. We have had to arrange clearances in a number of areas where this has caused a Health & Safety risk, leading to additional charges to residents.
We have been working closely with residents in the areas concerned, to help to make sure all our developments are kept in a good, safe condition.
With changes to the frequency of bin collections, and the possibility of industrial action affecting East Lothian Council’s waste services collections later in August, we’d like to make sure all our tenants are making best use of the Council’s services.
Firstly, it is vitally important that you recycle what you can. If people do not recycle, then the green bins are more likely to overflow. Waste collection is funded through Council Tax, but if your bin store is left in a mess, it's important you tell us who is responsible. If we can't identify who made the mess, we will arrange to have it cleared and the cost to clear it will be split and charged to the tenants who use that bin store.
This means we would have to charge residents if we have to clear any bin areas during any industrial action, so please keep these areas clean if this action goes ahead.
Recycling Arrangements:
| Type of waste | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Plastic, metals and cartons | White weighted bag |
| Glass bottles and jars | Green or black box |
| Paper and cardboard | Blue box |
| Food waste | Silver caddy |
| Garden waste | Brown bin (ELC subscription only) |
You can also take your recycling to any of the East Lothian recycling centres at Dunbar, Kinwegar (near Strawberry Corner), and North Berwick (please note that the Macmerry recycling centre is currently closed).
Other options for recycling are available across East Lothian. For example, soft plastic food packaging can be recycled at the Longniddry and Haddington Co-op supermarkets, and several nurseries and schools have clothes recycling bins.
Non-Recycling Arrangements:
| Type of waste | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Batteries | Bagged and left on your glass box |
| Medical waste | This will be arranged with the NHS |
| Nappies | Yellow bag* (on request) |
| Anything else | Green bin |
* The Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) service is available from East Lothian Council by request only, and is a fortnightly service. You can apply for this service if you have a large volume of AHPs, e.g. nappies and incontinence products. If you are accepted onto the service, you will be provided with a year’s supply of yellow bags. The Council service will collect one yellow bag every two weeks, and any additional AHPs should be double bagged and disposed of in your green bin, or in your non-recyclable waste communal bin.
If you need a new or an additional recycling container, you can order them via East Lothian Council:
This requires you to log into your MyEastLothian account – if you’ve not done this before, there is a handy video available:
Bulky Items:
Before arranging an uplift, can someone else use what you no longer need? If you are getting rid of something with life left in it, please use the Reuse Tool from Zero Waste Scotland to pass it on.
Recycling First will even collect your reusable furniture free of charge, and you can book a collection on their website:
And if you have arranged an uplift, you must keep the items in your home until the morning of your uplift. Waste services may refuse to collect a water-logged sofa if it has been left out in the rain for several weeks. If this happens, you will be liable for the cost to dispose of it.
