New waste service frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Where should I store my bin?

You should store your bin within the boundaries of your property, for example to the front, side or rear of your property.

We have undertaken a property survey to ensure that each property only receives wheelie bins if it has space and access. Do not leave bins in the street or on public land.

Are the bins lockable?

No, the bins do not have a pre drilled hole for a lock, however if you want to lock your bin during the week you can, but on collection day the bins must be unlocked ready to be emptied.

Aren't wheelie bins a fire hazard?

Wheelie bin fires can be caused by accident or by arson but are almost always preventable. Taking some simple steps will reduce this risk and protect your bins and your property:

• do not put vapes in your wheelie bins, they contain batteries. Many shops that sell vapes, accept returned used items, as do large electrical stores and they can now be recycled at your local household waste recycling centre
• never place hot items in the bin, for example: smoking materials, hot embers from coal/wood fires, barbecues or hot ash. Once fully cooled they can be included.
• always take unwanted electrical items, household batteries or lithium-ion batteries to your local household waste recycling centre
• do not overfill your wheelie bins, make sure the lid will close, and do not leave loose rubbish around them
• whenever possible wheelie bins should be stored securely, out of sight
• do not store wheelie bins under stair wells, corridors, or escape routes and fire exits. Wheelie bins should not be stored under covered areas attached to your house, such as a porch
• whenever possible store your wheelie bins at least one metre away from your property and not immediately against windows or doors and, if possible, safely secured
• if you are concerned about anti-social behaviour, consider locking or securing your wheelie bins between collections, but always make sure they are unlocked on your scheduled collection day
• only put your wheelie bins out on your scheduled collection day and return them to your property or their usual storage position, as soon as possible after collection
• make your wheelie bins available early in the morning on your scheduled collection day rather than late at night the day before
• help your neighbour - bring their bins in for them if needed
• mark your property number on your bins, to help their return.
• for cardboard 'make it thin to fit the bin'. Always try to flatten-out boxes so they have less surface area and can be stored in your wheelie bin. For excess cardboard place the flattened boxes to make a stack of cardboard, then tape or tie the stack together. This can be left out by your bin on your scheduled collection day

What happens if my wheelie bin damages property?

All containers for recycling and non-recyclable waste will remain the property of Southend-on-Sea City Council. Residents are responsible for securely storing their wheelie bin in-between collections and safely presenting their bins on their collection day.

It is extremely unlikely that your bin will be blown over and hit a car, however you may be able to put your wheelie bin onto your home insurance should you wish to.

The bins are designed to stand up straight and are made from plastic. In the exceptional circumstance that a bin causes damage or injury, any claims for compensation would be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where this is as a result of our contractors staff not returning a bin appropriately, for example, the council would investigate and respond accordingly. Our contractor indemnify the Council for situations or accidents resulting from the delivery of services within the contract we have with them and their insurance provider would process any claims directly where its been determined that the contractor is at fault.

What happens if wheelie bins cause an obstruction?

The majority of residents will present their bins on the inside boundary of their property which will not cause an obstruction on pavements. In some circumstances, where the only option is to present your bin on the footpath, we ask residents to retrieve their bins promptly where possible after collections. Where we have compaints or reports of bins left out we will endeavour to engage with those residents doing this to try to prevent this affecting the use of footpaths or having a detrimental impact on neighbours. If this is unsuccessful we may escalate to a Fixed Penalty Notice issued to the resident.

I live in a conservation area and do not want a wheelie bin as they look unsightly

In conservation areas additional regulations or controls are only required for structural changes, such as if you want to modify your property. As wheelie bins are not structural, they do not fall under these regulations, so there is not anything preventing properties in conservation areas from having wheelie bins. If you are considering building or installing a temporary structure to store your bins please check with the Councils planning team