Green Garden Waste Recycling

Frequently Asked Questions - Wheelie Bins

Green waste collected by Enterprise Managed Services Plc and at Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre. It is composted at a facility operated in partnership with Sita.

1. Why can't I put kitchen waste or vegetable/fruit peelings in the wheelie bin?

The Animal By-products legislation does not allow kitchen waste and garden waste to be composted together.
You could start composting at home by buying a home compost bin for yourown kitchen waste at home. Home composters are available to Solihull residents.

2. Is it safe to put diseased plants into my wheelie bin?

Yes. The high temperatures during composting kill any harmful spores and pests.

3. If I have more garden waste than will fit inside the bin, will it be taken if I put it in a bag and place it at the side or on top of the lid of my wheelie bin?

No. The collection rounds have been planned to ensure that every household will have their garden waste collected on the same day as the normal rubbish collection. If we were also to take away extra waste this may delay or prevent the collection from other residents' wheelie bins.
If you have extra waste you could buy a home compost bin to compost your own kitchen waste at home. Home composters are available to Solihull residents.
Alternatively you could take your extra garden waste to the Household Recycling Centre at Bickenhill for composting.

4. Will my bin be emptied every week?

No. The service is fortnightly. You will be given a collection calendar, which shows your collection day, before the collections start. If you need an extra copy of the calendar please call 0121 704 8000 or e mail connectcc@solihull.gov.uk

5. Where will I need to put my wheelie bin when I want it to be emptied?

You need to put your bin at the front of your home where the boundary of your home meets the pavement.

6. My home does not face directly onto the pavement or is accessed from a private shared driveway. Where do I put my wheelie bin when I want it to be emptied?

If your home does not front directly on to the pavement or has a private drive, please place your bin where your boundary meets the pavement.

7. What time do I have to put my wheelie bin out on the kerbside for collection?

Collection times may vary. Our collection contractor begins work at  7.00am, so if you put your bin at the front of your home where your property meets the pavement from 7.00am on collection day it will be emptied.

8. What can I do if I have difficulty or am unable to move my wheelie bin to the kerbside myself?

If you do not have anyone in the household who can do this for you then you may apply for help. Please complete the Wheelie bin help form , call 0121 704 8000 or e mail connectcc@solihull.gov.uk.

9. Will I have to pay for this service?
No. We will supply the wheelie bin and the collection will be free of charge.

10. Can I personalise my bin with my house number or a sticker?

Yes. If you would like to. Please do not obscure the Council logo or the information sticker.

11. What if my bin gets damaged?

If we damage your bin during the collections, a replacement bin will be provided free of charge, please call 0121 704 8000 or email connectcc@solihull.gov.uk.

12. What happens to my wheelie bin during the winter months?

The green waste collections will run until the middle of December 2008. The collections are then suspended over the winter months you must keep the wheelie bin until the collections start again in the spring.

13. What if I do not wish to have a wheelie bin?

We sincerely hope that all residents want to take part in this scheme. However you may opt out. You will however need to make other arrangements for the disposal of your garden waste such as composting it yourself or taking it to Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre.

14. Who is responsible for an accident involving my wheelie bin when it has been put out for collection?
It is our responsibility to provide you with clear instructions of where to present your bin. Any accident caused by careless placement of a bin is the fault of the person responsible for putting it out.