Blue Bin Collection

Forest Heath District Council operates a kerbside collection of dry recyclable waste and provides blue wheeled bins free of charge to residents.

The bins are emptied every two weeks by a dedicated collection service and the waste is transported to the purpose built transfer station at Lackford, where it is checked and bulked for transportation to the Material Recycling Facility (MRF) at Great Blakenham. The MRF sorts the recyclable material and sends it off for recycling.

During 2009/2010, 5,433 tonnes of recyclable waste was collected from Forest Heath.

The council works with Viridor Waste Management and other Suffolk authorities to ensure a high quality service is provided and end use markets are available for the material collected.

Blue bin facts

How much of my waste can be recycled/composted?
A waste analysis last year showed that approximately 60% of the waste stream can be recycled and we are hoping that by introducing the blue bin collection we can achieve a recycling/composting rate of 60%

Was the introduction of this scheme funded by my council tax?
No, the introduction of this scheme was funded through the DEFRA Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund which has been given to only a few councils

What happens to the waste that is put in the blue bins?
The material from the blue bins is taken to a transfer station where it is bulked up and then sent to a materials recycling facility where it is sorted and transported for onward processing and recycling.

Can I wrap my blue bin waste?
No, please do not wrap the blue bin waste. Any material that is wrapped holds up the sorting process as the bag has to be split open.

Why are contaminated blue bins rejected?
The waste in the blue bin is partly sorted by hand and contaminated material (e.g. pet waste) stops the process. Glass could cause injury.

Blue bin tips

Please follow the advice below when using your blue bin:

• Do not overfill your bin or make it too heavy. Excess recyclable waste can be taken to your local recycling centre or subject to prior agreement may be placed in your neighbour's bin
• Please put your bin out at the correct location, on your designated collection day and by 6.30am. Return your bin as soon as possible following collection. Do not leave your bin out any longer than it needs to be!
• Only place the correct recyclable material in the bin. If your bin contains the wrong material it will not be emptied and you will be responsible for removing the contamination. Contaminated vehicle loads entering the transfer station will be rejected
• Do not place waste beside the bin for collection - we do not accept 'side waste'
• Please put your house name/number on your bin for ease of recognition
• Please do not wrap blue bin recyclables in plastic bags or black bags. Recyclables should be clean, loose and dry
• Glass and textiles cannot be put in your blue bin as glass contaminates the rest of the material and is dangerous for the sorters, textiles clog up the machines. Please take glass and textiles to your nearest recycling centre
• Please remove tops from all plastic bottles and put them both in to the blue bin
• Please rinse all dry recyclables before putting them into the blue bin as this will make it easier for sorting at the materials recycling facility
• Please do not put carrier bags in the blue bin: many supermarkets are now changing to biodegradable carrier bags that are not recyclable. Please re-use them, return them to the supermarket or use to wrap your black bin waste

Related links:
DEFRA