Frequently Asked Questions- Commercial waste/ School collections

Frequently asked questions

I have a business, what collection service does the Council Provide?

Why does the Council charge for collections? Is this not covered in my rates?

Why does the Council not provide recycling services for businesses?

What bins are available and how much do collections cost for Commercial premises?

What bins are available and how much do collections cost for Schools?

Why does the Council not provide recycling services for Schools?

How do I organise collections?

• Your name and the name of the business
• The collection address and your contact details.
• The type and number of bins and frequency of collection.

How can I pay?

When do collections take place?

I did not receive a collection, why was this?

What are the terms and conditions?

1. If the container is not provided by the customer and has been provided by the Council it will remain the property of Council and must be surrendered to the Council upon termination of the contract.



2. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the Council’s container is kept in a safe, secure location and in a reasonable condition during the contract period.



3. The Council will not accept liability in circumstances where damage caused to either the container and/or property was due to the unsafe and/or insecure siting of the container. Except in those circumstances where it is proven that the Council is responsible for any loss or damage caused, the customer will be liable for all costs incurred (replacement, repair or otherwise).
4. Container wheel brakes, if fitted, should be engaged at all times.  The customer should therefore ensure that brakes are fully operational and should report any defects, without delay. 



5. As the Refuse Vehicles are not sealed to contain liquid wastes, these must not be placed into the container.  Those containers found to hold such wastes will not be emptied until the waste has been drained off/removed. Such a situation could result in the container not being emptied until the next normal collection day.



6. Containers must not be overloaded, as this will prevent the container from being emptied and could cause damage to the container.   In such circumstances, it will be the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the container is lightened.   Such a situation could result in the container not being emptied until the next normal collection day.  The customer will also be liable for any damage caused to the container (replacement or repair).



7. Waste in containers must not be subjected to any form of mechanical compaction as this could result in damage to the container and make it unsafe for emptying.  In such circumstances, the Council will not accept responsibility for the waste.  Customers will be liable for replacement containers.



8. The container lid must be closed.  Containers found to be overfilled will not be emptied.  A raised lid can be a safety issue for operatives and can result in damage to the container when being emptied.  The lid prevents the waste from becoming windblown or being disturbed by animals, rodents or birds.  Bags must be tied closed.



9. Any container, or contents therein, which constitutes, or is likely to constitute, a health & safety risk to the Refuse Operatives, will not be emptied until made safe by the customer.  Such a situation could result in the container not being emptied until the next normal collection day.



10. Containers should only be put out for collection on, or near, the collection time.



11. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that their container is presented for collection on the nominated day.  Failure to ensure this could result in the container not being emptied until the next normal collection day.  



12. The container must be easily accessible, free from any obstructions and capable of being safely manoeuvred to the refuse vehicle.  Failure to ensure this could result in the container not being emptied until the next normal collection day.



13. No service will be provided on the following holidays (dates subject to change): -
    5 April, 12 July, 13 July, Christmas Day (25th Dec) and New Years Day (1st Jan). Alternative Saturday collections will be provided, where possible, however additional waste, suitably bagged, will be collected on the next normal collection day at no additional cost. 



14. In cases were the collection cannot be made on the nominated day due to either inclement weather, or in circumstances which are beyond the control of the Council, the Council does not undertake to provide an alternative collection that week.  In such cases, additional waste, suitably bagged, will be collected on the following normal collection day at no additional cost.



15. Containers will only be serviced when a Chargeable Waste Agreement & Controlled Waste Transfer Note are in place and the requisite collection charge has been paid.  Any additional collections, or quantities of waste, over and above those covered by the annual service agreement will be charged for at the appropriate rate.



16. The Council reserves the right to make such operational changes as it deems necessary during the agreement period, to ensure the continued provision of an efficient, cost-effective and quality service.



17. Should circumstances dictate, the Council reserves the right to terminate or suspend any waste collection agreement on short notice.