Manchester

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Waste and Recycling

Guidance on disposing of household waste and recycling correctly in Manchester.

Sections

1. Waste Categories in Manchester

Manchester City Council provides services for the following main waste categories:

a. General Waste (Non-Recyclable Waste)

  • What it includes: Items that cannot be recycled, such as plastic bags, polystyrene, nappies, and certain types of packaging.
  • Bin color: Black bin.
  • Disposal: This waste is sent to energy recovery facilities, where it is incinerated to generate electricity.

b. Recycling Waste

  • What it includes: Recyclable materials are divided into two categories:
    • Mixed Recycling (Brown Bin): Includes paper, cardboard, glass bottles, jars, plastic bottles, tubs, trays, and metal cans.
    • Food and Garden Waste (Green Bin): Includes raw and cooked food waste, tea bags, coffee grounds, grass cuttings, leaves, and small branches.
  • Bin colors:
    • Brown bin for mixed recycling.
    • Green bin for food and garden waste.

c. Food Waste

  • Food waste is collected in the green bin along with garden waste. It is processed into compost or used to generate energy.

d. Bulky Waste

  • What it includes: Large items such as furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
  • Disposal: Requires a special collection service (see details below).

e. Hazardous Waste

  • What it includes: Batteries, chemicals, paint, and electrical items.
  • Disposal: These items must be taken to designated recycling centers (see section 6).

2. Collection Schedules

Manchester City Council provides a regular collection service for household waste. The schedule depends on your address, and you can check your specific collection days on the Manchester City Council website.

  • Frequency:

    • Black bin (general waste): Collected every two weeks.
    • Brown bin (mixed recycling): Collected every two weeks (alternates with black bin collection).
    • Green bin (food and garden waste): Collected every two weeks (seasonal variations may apply).

  • How to check your schedule:

3. Costs

  • Regular waste collection: Free for residents.
  • Bulky waste collection:
    • The council charges £27.50 for up to 3 items.
    • Additional items cost extra, and there is a limit of 5 items per collection.
    • Discounts may be available for residents on certain benefits.
  • Replacement bins:
    • If your bin is lost or damaged, you may need to pay for a replacement. Costs vary depending on the bin type (e.g., £20-30 for a new bin).

4. Procedures for Sorting and Disposing of Waste

To ensure proper waste management, follow these steps:

a. Sorting Waste

  • General waste (black bin): Place only non-recyclable items in this bin.
  • Mixed recycling (brown bin): Rinse containers to remove food residue before placing them in the bin. Do not include plastic bags or contaminated items.
  • Food and garden waste (green bin): Place food waste in compostable bags or directly into the bin. Avoid placing plastic or non-compostable materials in this bin.

b. Preparing for Collection

  • Ensure bins are placed at the edge of your property by 7:00 AM on collection day.
  • Do not overfill bins or leave loose waste outside the bin, as it will not be collected.
  • Return bins to your property after collection.

c. Missed Collections

  • If your bin is not collected, report it to the council within 48 hours via their website or by calling their customer service.

5. Local Recycling Sites (Household Waste Recycling Centres)

For items that cannot be disposed of in your household bins, you can visit one of Manchester’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). These sites accept a wide range of materials, including hazardous waste, electrical items, and bulky waste.

Key Recycling Centres in Manchester:

  1. Sandfold Lane Recycling Centre

    • Address: Sandfold Lane, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3BJ.
    • Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies seasonally).
    • Accepted items: General waste, recycling, electricals, hazardous waste, and bulky items.

  2. Reliance Street Recycling Centre

    • Address: Reliance Street, Newton Heath, Manchester, M40 3EZ.
    • Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (varies seasonally).
    • Accepted items: Similar to Sandfold Lane.

Tips for Using Recycling Centres:

  • Bring proof of address (e.g., a utility bill) to confirm you are a Manchester resident.
  • Separate your waste into categories before arriving to make the process quicker.
  • Check the council website for restrictions on vehicle types and waste limits.

6. Tips for Proper Waste Management in Manchester

  • Avoid contamination: Ensure recyclable items are clean and dry before placing them in the brown bin.
  • Reduce waste: Use reusable bags, bottles, and containers to minimize single-use plastics.
  • Compost at home: If you have a garden, consider composting food and garden waste to create natural fertilizer.
  • Donate or sell items: For items in good condition (e.g., furniture, clothes), consider donating to charity shops or selling online instead of disposing of them.
  • Report fly-tipping: If you see illegal dumping of waste, report it to the council immediately.

7. Additional Resources

  • Manchester City Council Waste and Recycling: Visit the official website.
  • Recycle for Greater Manchester: Visit the website for detailed recycling tips and advice.
  • Customer Service: Call 0161 234 5004 for waste-related inquiries.

By following these guidelines, you can contribute to Manchester’s efforts to reduce waste, recycle effectively, and maintain a clean and sustainable city. Let me know if you need further assistance!