Information for new residents and students

Your bins and boxes must be put out for collection by 6am on your collection day and removed as soon as possible following collection.

If you’re not sure what day we come by you can put your postcode into the ‘collection day finder’ on the Bristol Council website. Look for the code (for example, Monday B’ or ‘Wednesday A’) and then find the collection calendar that matches that code on our website.

• Collection day finder
• Collection calendars

In Bristol, you will either have a kerbside sorting system, where your house has its own set of bins and recycling containers, or you will have a Mini Recycling Centre (MRC) with large, shared bins for sorted recycling.

Not sure what goes where or need a refresher? Download or print and pin-up our handy recycling leaflet for an overview of how to sort recycling.

You should write your flat or property number on your bins and boxes so you know which ones are yours and stop them getting mixed up in the street.

If you don’t want to write or paint your bin number straight onto the bin, you can request a blank sticker to write on by emailing general@bristolwastecompany.co.uk

We can also provide small stickers for your recycling boxes to remind you should put in each one.

Bins and boxes that are left on streets can make it difficult or impossible for people to use the pavement safely, especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs, or those who are visually impaired.

Please make sure that bins and boxes are removed from the pavement as soon as possible after collection and kept off the pavement between collections.

If you don’t bring your bin off the street you may get a note on your bin reminding you to do so, or a visit from our community engagement team.

Residents can have as many recycling boxes as they need and we encourage properties to also use our lids to keep materials contained on windy days. Bins, boxes and lids can be ordered for free and we’ll deliver them straight to you.

You can order bins and recycling containers to be delivered on the Bristol City Council website.

Bristol residents can take bulky waste to your nearest Household Reuse and Recycling Centre free of charge.

Bristol City Council also offer bulky waste collection services, and the city has a range of reliable, licensed private waste carriers.

Remember, there is no excuse for fly-tipping in Bristol. Dumping waste and bulky items illegally, even if they’re next to a bin, is fly-tipping and can land you with a large fine and even a criminal conviction.

Find out more: How to get rid of bulky waste in Bristol – Bristol Waste Company

Do you have your own recycling boxes and bins? This is the guide for you.

Do you share recycling bins with your neighbours? This handy guide for mini recycling centres (MRC) will tell you everything you need to know.