Bins and waste collection
The local council is responsible for collecting and disposing of waste in your area. They provide different bins for food waste, household waste and recycling. Household waste goes to landfill. To prevent contamination, it's important to separate your landfill waste from your recycling and use the right bin.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and waste
Collection of household waste
Local councils may have to adjust some household bin collection schedules, check your individual council’s social media channels and website for further updates.
Waste disposal guidance for people with confirmed or possible COVID-19
If you or someone in your house either has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or thinks that they may have it, use your usual household products, such as detergents and bleach, to clean and get rid of the virus on any surfaces which are touched regularly - these will be very effective.
Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into a second bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste in the room in which you are self-isolating. Keep these bags aside for at least 72 hours before putting into your usual external black/ grey household waste bin.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
Use good personal hygiene when delivering and collecting your bin from the kerbside.
You can get further guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Public Health Agency website.
How councils collect household recycling and landfill waste
The council in your area collects your recycling and household waste from outside your home.
They give you:
- a special box or bin for your recycling
- a bin for household waste that goes to landfill
- a bin for garden and food waste
Food waste
Councils collect garden and food waste for recycling from households. You must put your food waste in the right bin, not the landfill bin.
Councils can refuse to empty your landfill bin if you put food waste in your landfill bin.
When your bins and waste are collected
To check household waste collection days in your area, you should contact your local council. You should also contact your local council if your bin is missed from the normal collection.
Council bins
If your bin is lost or stolen, you should contact your council to get a replacement. The council can charge you for a replacement bin. They can give you advice on how to secure your bin to avoid theft.
Local recycling centres
Councils have household recycling centres where you can bring your recycling. Contact your local council for centre opening times and what they accept from households.
How to dispose of bulky waste items
For more information on the disposal of large items, go to:
You can bring large items to your council's recycling centre. Contact your council's environmental services or waste management department to find out what they accept from households in your area.