Bristol

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Waste and Recycling

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. Hereโ€™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 councilโ€™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: ยฃ32 for a green wheelie bin or ยฃ2 per compostable sack.
  • You can subscribe online or by contacting the council.

b. Bulky Waste Collection

  • ยฃ25 for up to 3 items.
  • Additional items: ยฃ10 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 โ€“ 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 โ€“ 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 doesnโ€™t have the required bins or boxes, order them for free via the councilโ€™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 isnโ€™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 Cafรฉs: 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, youโ€™ll be able to manage your waste and recycling effectively while contributing to Bristolโ€™s sustainability goals. Let me know if you need further assistance!