Q. Why should I recycle my garden rubbish?
We are producing too much waste and are running out of places to put it all. About 20% of all rubbish sent for landfill is made up of garden waste. When garden waste is landfilled it decomposes and can cause pollution to the air and water courses. If we collect garden waste, we reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill, and get a useful product. All the garden waste will be sent to huge compost sites. The compost produced will be used in agriculture and as a peat substitute.
You must be careful about what goes in the bin. Any contamination will mean your bin will not be emptied. Only put in grass cuttings, hedge clippings, cut flowers/plants, leaves and bark, twigs and small branches.
Do not put in plastic bags, paper or metal, soil, stone and rubble, turf and ash, dog and cat faeces, pet bedding and straw, kitchen waste (no meat, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bones, dairy products or cooked foods).
Q. I have a compost bin in my garden; should I still use this service?
Yes! You should continue to use your own compost bin, but you can use this collection service for waste you don’t have room for.
Q. I do not want the bin; take it away.
We would ask that everyone given a bin takes part in the service. Householders need a valid reason as to why they do not want to use the green wheelie bin, e.g completely paved/decked garden, elderly, have a gardener that takes all waste away etc. We are not forcing people to use the service, but would encourage everyone to do so. If they do not take part in this FREE service, they would have to either take their garden waste to a Household Recycling Centre, or pay for a bulky collection.
Q. The bin is too big; I only have a small garden
For a small number of properties we are able to offer the smaller 140 litre bins. We are limited in numbers so the smaller bins are for the elderly and those with very small gardens.
Q. When is my collection day; I have not been given a calendar?
The green bins are collected on the same day as your refuse wheelie bin and existing paper collection where possible. The bins must be placed out by 7.30am and the service operates on a fortnightly basis. Please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644 if you require another calendar.
Q. I don’t understand the calendar. Why don’t you collect every week?
The collection frequency is determined by growing seasons, as this will determine how much waste will be produced. So in the summer months you will get a fortnightly collection, which is reduced to monthly in spring and autumn. Currently there is no collection in December and January. However, this service may be changed, but in the meantime remember to check your current calendar so you know when it will be emptied.
Q. Where should I store my green bin?
You can store your bins anywhere on your property. Please do not store them on the footway or road. Please store your bins with their lids closed and, if possible, out of direct sunlight to prevent possible smells and recyclable materials from getting wet.
Q. Where should I put my green bin on collection day?
Please place your bin just inside your entrance gate or driveway with the lid closed. The bin must be visible from the road in order for it to be collected. If your front door opens straight onto the pavement, just place the bin to the side of your door by 7:30am on collection day. If you have a problem storing your wheeled bins because you have no rear access to your property or you lack suitable space, please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644.
Q. Why can’t I put kitchen waste in the bin, because it can go on my compost heap?
We are unable to take any kitchen or food waste due to tight legislation governing the composting process. Kitchen and food waste can be contaminated, and as the resulting compost is spread on agricultural land contamination could spread. You can continue to put your kitchen and food waste on your own compost heap as this is very small-scale, and the risk of wide-spread contamination is minimal.
Q. What happens if my bin is damaged or stolen?
If your bin is damaged or stolen through no fault of your own, we will provide a replacement free of charge.
There are many reasons as to why the bin may not have been emptied:
If none of the above apply and your bin has still not been emptied, please ring 'Contact Oldham' on 0161 770 6644. Remember, the recycling crews work to 5:00pm each day and your bin may not be collected at the same time every week. If your bin is not full, maybe you could wait until your next collection date.
Q. What happens if I forget to put my bin out for collection?
Unfortunately your bin will not be emptied until the next time they are due for collection. Alternatively you can take your recyclables and waste to one of the Recycling Sites or Household Waste Recycling Centres.