Putting your bin out for collection

Coronavirus - Tips for safe storage of waste before collection

  • Make sure that bins are kept well away from windows and doors. If possible, place your bins out of direct sunlight to help reduce the smells and decrease the rate of decomposition pests are attracted too
  • It’s a good idea to give your inside and outside bins a rinse with disinfectant and hot water - always use gloves.
  • Always keep bin lids sealed properly - even small gaps create easy access for pests
  • Always use compostable liners or refuse sacks when putting loose food waste in the bin
  • Do not be tempted to burn your rubbish - this causes unpleasant smells, fumes and nuisance smoke, which can annoy neighbours. We can investigate complaints about burning rubbish so please avoid causing a nuisance and putting a strain on local authority resources.

Help protect collection crews – double bag it!

Do NOT put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

Any waste used for cleaning eg disposable cloths and tissues, should be:

  • Put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full
  • The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied
  • The bag should then be kept in a suitable and secure place (away from children) and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known.

Minimise your rubbish

Whilst the recycling centres are currently closed please try and minimise your waste as much as possible.

  • Don't buy more food than you need
  • Avoid doing large DIY projects or clear outs unless you have space to store your waste
  • Make the most out of the space in your bin by squeezing air out of your bin bags, flattening any cardboard boxes, crushing cans and squeezing plastic bottles to reduce volume.

When you put your bins out on your collection day:

  • Put all waste inside the bin with the lid closed flat
  • Don't  overload the bin, make it too heavy, leave extra bags out or fill with incorrect materials
  • Put your bins out at the edge of your property boundary by 6.30am on collection day, but no earlier than 6pm the evening before (unless you are in receipt of an assisted collection)
  • Place your bin with handles facing the road in a position that isn't causing an obstruction
  • Make sure your bin is numbered
  • Take your bin back within the boundary of your property after collection.

Bins left on the pavement

All bins should be back within the boundary of the property (or alley-gated area) by midnight on the day of collection or you could face further action.

I need help putting my bin out

If you are unable to put your bin out yourself, and you have no neighbours or friends who can help you, you may be able to have an  assisted collection.

Report a missed bin

Where weather conditions or vehicle access is an issue we will return to affected properties on the first available collection date.

If your bin has not been collected and you have followed the guidance above then you can report a missed bin.

Cleaning your bin

It is your responsibility to keep your bins clean. See our simple steps to keeping your bin clean.

© Wigan Council