FAQ's about Recycling
Questions about the waste collection scheme
Q. What will happen if I put the wrong things in the wrong bin or box.
A. Please stick to the information provided. If you are in doubt use your landfill bin until you are able to check. Detailed information explaining the scheme should have been delivered with your bins and boxes. If you have not received this information please call 0800 7310323.
You will have also received reminder stickers to place on your wheeled bins. It is important that the right items are placed in the correct bin or box, if your bin or box contains things we cannot compost or recycle they will not be emptied because it would cause problems at the recycling or composting plant. If you stick to the list you will not have a problem, you will soon get into the habit and you will be able to dispose of more of your waste in an environmentally friendly way. Placing stickers on your bins will remind you which bin to use, we recommend all householders use these stickers.
Q. Can I put food waste in plastic bags?
A. No. If food waste is placed in plastic bags it will not be collected, this is simply because it cannot be composted. Food waste in plastic bags will smell because of the lack of air circulation. If you need to wrap any food waste, use newspaper or Teignbridge District Council approved 100% compostable cornstarch caddy liners only, see link to the right for stockists. Everything in this bin will be composted therefore it needs to be loose and only things on the list can be collected. Similar collections elsewhere in the UK have shown that there are no health issues with this type of collection. If the right items are placed in the right bins and boxes you will receive a regular collection. Many residents are placing a cardboard box at the bottom of their bin; any food waste is then dropped into the box either wrapped in paper or loose. Avoiding wet material such as grass cuttings will also help reduce any potential problems.
Q. Will everything stick to the bin?
A. If you place cardboard or shredded paper in the bottom of your bin first, it will reduce sticking.
Q. What happens if I do not have storage space or currently receive help with my bins?
A. This scheme is for all residents, alternative arrangements are being made for those with genuine limited storage however if you simply would prefer not to have a bin or box these arrangements will not be applicable. New rules mean we have no option whether to recycle or not, it is essential for all residents. We need to be aware that the principal aim of recycling is to reduce environmental damage caused by waste buried in landfill. Any resident currently receiving help with their bin and box will automatically receive help with this new scheme.
Q. Who do I contact for further information about the scheme?
A. All the information you will need will be included in your leaflets. If you have any other recycling queries please call the recycling helpline on 0800 731 0323.
Q. What will happen to the garden waste scheme?
A. It will continue for residents with a lot of garden waste and / or limited transport. The new scheme will include food, garden and cardboard waste for composting. You can also take garden waste to a Recycling Centre for free.
Q. Can I put the paper liners that I buy from Bio Sack Ltd or West Country Worms out next to my green bin as additional refuse?
A. No you can't only garden waste bags with the Teignbridge District Council logo on can be collected as additional refuse. Any other bags left for collection next to the green bin will not be collected.