Bristol

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Waste and Recycling

Overview of waste collection and recycling programs in Bristol, including bin schedules.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Bristol

Bristol encourages residents to separate their waste into specific categories to maximize recycling and minimize landfill use. The main categories are:

a. Household Waste (General Waste)

  • Non-recyclable waste that cannot be composted or recycled.
  • Examples: Plastic bags, nappies, polystyrene, and certain food packaging.
  • Collected in black wheelie bins or black bags (depending on your property type).

b. Recycling

Recyclable materials are further divided into:

  1. Paper and Cardboard:
    • Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and envelopes.
    • Must be clean and dry.
  2. Plastic, Metal, and Glass:
    • Plastic bottles, tubs, and trays (check for recycling symbols).
    • Glass bottles and jars (clean and without lids).
    • Metal cans, tins, and foil.
  3. Food Waste:
    • All cooked and uncooked food, including meat, dairy, and vegetable scraps.
    • Collected in a small brown food caddy (kitchen) and a larger outdoor food bin.
  4. Garden Waste (optional paid service):
    • Grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other garden debris.

c. Bulky Waste

  • Large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
  • Requires special collection or drop-off at a recycling centre.

d. Hazardous Waste

  • Items like batteries, paint, chemicals, and electrical appliances.
  • Must be taken to designated recycling centres.

2. Recycling and Waste Collection Procedures

Bristol City Council provides a free collection service for most household waste and recycling. Here’s how it works:

a. Recycling Bins

  • Blue Box: For plastic, metal, and glass.
  • Green Box: For paper and cardboard.
  • Brown Food Bin: For food waste.
  • Ensure items are rinsed and sorted into the correct boxes.

b. General Waste

  • Collected in black wheelie bins or black bags.
  • Avoid overfilling bins, as excess waste may not be collected.

c. Garden Waste

  • Requires a subscription to the Garden Waste Collection Service (see costs below).
  • Collected in a green wheelie bin or compostable sacks.

d. Bulky Waste

  • Book a collection through the council’s website or by phone.
  • Alternatively, take items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.

e. Hazardous Waste

  • Batteries can be recycled at supermarkets or recycling centres.
  • Electrical items and chemicals must be taken to a recycling centre.

3. Collection Schedules

  • Waste and recycling are collected weekly or fortnightly, depending on the type of waste and your location.
  • You can check your specific collection day by entering your postcode on the Bristol City Council website: Bristol Waste Collection Day Finder.
  • Place bins and boxes outside your property by 7:00 AM on collection day.

4. Associated Costs

Most waste and recycling services are free, but there are some exceptions:

a. Garden Waste Collection

  • Annual subscription: £32 for a green wheelie bin or £2 per compostable sack.
  • You can subscribe online or by contacting the council.

b. Bulky Waste Collection

  • £25 for up to 3 items.
  • Additional items: £10 per item.
  • Discounts may be available for low-income households.

c. Replacement Bins/Boxes

  • Free for the first replacement of lost or damaged bins/boxes.
  • Subsequent replacements may incur a small fee.

5. Local Recycling Centres

Bristol has two main Household Waste Recycling Centres where you can drop off items that cannot be collected at home:

a. Avonmouth Recycling Centre

  • Address: Kings Weston Lane, Avonmouth, BS11 0YS.
  • Open: 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM (Monday to Sunday).
  • Accepts: General waste, recycling, garden waste, hazardous waste, and bulky items.

b. St. Philips Recycling Centre

  • Address: Folly Lane, St. Philips, BS2 0QS.
  • Open: 8:00 AM – 4:15 PM (Monday to Sunday).
  • Accepts: Similar to Avonmouth.

Note: You must book an appointment online before visiting a recycling centre. Proof of Bristol residency (e.g., a utility bill) is required.

6. Tips for New Residents

  • Order Bins/Boxes: If your property doesn’t have the required bins or boxes, order them for free via the council’s website.
  • Download the App: The Bristol Waste App provides reminders for collection days, recycling tips, and updates on services.
  • Compost at Home: Consider home composting for garden and food waste. Compost bins can be purchased at a subsidized rate through the council.
  • Report Missed Collections: If your waste isn’t collected, report it online or by calling the council within 48 hours.

7. Sustainability and Community Initiatives

Bristol is a green city with several initiatives to reduce waste and promote recycling:

  • Repair Cafés: Community events where you can repair broken items instead of discarding them.
  • Reuse Shops: Located at recycling centres, these shops sell second-hand items at low prices.
  • Zero-Waste Shops: Many local shops offer package-free groceries and household products.

8. Contact Information

For further assistance, you can contact Bristol City Council:

By following this guide, you’ll be able to manage your waste and recycling effectively while contributing to Bristol’s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!