Service Changes
Changes to waste services and new recycling centre opening timetable
Changes to Bristol's waste services
Some changes are being made to waste services in Bristol, given the impact of the national economic climate. Councillors sitting on Bristol City Council’s Full Council have agreed a series of measures to help address the challenges, with the additional income and savings used to protect frontline services for residents of Bristol.
Read on to find information for;
DIY waste disposal charges
DIY waste charges remain in place at the Household Reuse and Recycling Centres. The Government has not set a date for when DIY charges will be removed but we expect it to be later this year. We’re working with Bristol City Council to understand the impact this will have and will keep residents informed of any changes.
Charges for the disposal of DIY waste are as follows:
- £2.90 per sack of rubble, soil etc (full details here)
- £4.50 per sheet or bag of clean plasterboard
- £9.50 for a bag of plasterboard with other materials attached
- £11 per bag/sheet of asbestos
The maximum number of DIY waste bags you can dispose of has been lifted, however rules around ‘fair usage’ and no commercial waste remain. Anyone suspected of abusing the residential waste service may be banned from the site.
Garden waste subscription increase
Annual garden waste subscriptions have increased to £50 per year, or £47 if paid by direct debit and £24 for those receiving benefits. This is in line with other local authorities in the area.
Garden waste sacks will now cost £2.50 and can be ordered online.
New bin charges and recycling box deliveries
A small charge for the processing and delivery of recycling containers has come into effect.
The charge is £2.50 per container. Residents can exchange broken recycling containers for free from any of the three recycling centres. You will need to make a booking and head for the DIY bays on site where staff will be on hand to assist. You must bring your old recycling containers to exchange.
New and replacement refuse wheelie bins are charged at £28 per bin, or £14 for those receiving benefits. The charge for garden waste bins is £21 for new subscriptions, £28 for replacement bins or £10 for those receiving benefits.
Recycling centre opening times
Recycling centre opening times have changed, with each site open five days a week. The opening hours have been designed to have minimal impact on the city, with the schedule set to match the highest demand.
Open times are:
Avonmouth: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun
Hartcliffe Way: Weds, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
St Philips: Mon, Tues, Weds, Sat, Sun
9am – 5pm on weekdays, 8am – 4pm on Saturdays and 10am – 6pm on Sundays.
Changes to bulky waste charges
The price to collect soft furnished bulky waste items have changed.
Soft furnishings, such as sofas, computer chairs, futons or armchairs, now cost:
- £25 for 1 item
- £40 for 2 items
- £50 for 3 items
Items which are not soft furnishings, such as fridges, bed frames and mattresses, remain at:
- £25 for up to 3 items
- £50 for 4 to 6 items
Street cleansing
In order to reduce costs, we will also remodel the street cleansing services.
The changes will see a reduction in cleansing frequency and resources in some areas of the city. This will be the first area for reinvestment when finances allow.
We are also reviewing all areas of the business for cost savings and efficiencies, as well as enhancing profit generating areas.