New waste service frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the criteria for properties not suitable for wheelie bins?

SUEZ have carried out property surveys on behalf of us across the whole of the city. Most properties in Southend-on-Sea can have wheelie bins.

The criteria for not having wheelie bins are:

• insufficient storage or space for the bins
• no access

More detailed criteria below for properties that are not suitable:

• no rear, side access or front area
• no point of collection
• impractical to pull wheelie bins out e.g., through a narrow gate, down multiple steps, across very rough ground or through the house. This does not mean blocking access to a car/parking space on a personal driveway
• dangerous to move wheelie bins from storage to presentation point
• bin would have to be wheeled down numerous steps/steep incline
• no suitable presentation point at property boundary
• no access to property boundary by collection vehicle and too far for crew to move bin

Who decided on the criteria for wheelie bins or sack collections?

Our previous cabinet approved the detailed criteria for which properties suitable to have wheelie bins.

Properties have been assessed using the following criteria:

• space to store the bins within the boundary of the property
• that there is access to move the bin in and out of the boundary of the property
• that there are no hazardous points that affects the movement of the bins such as steep steps or steep inclines
• that there is an acceptable distance for crews to move the wheelie bins

Do I have to have a wheelie bin?

Yes, if your property has been assessed as suitable to have wheelie bins. We will only collect recycling and waste from the new bins provided by us. We will not collect from other bins.

I believe my property is not suitable for wheelie bins

If you believe that your property does not have suitable space or access for wheelie bins you can request to change collection method. More information and the criteria can be found on our request a change to collection method page.