Genuine missed bins
All bins and containers must be presented for collection by 6am on the day of collection, as Dorset Council is unable to guarantee what time collection crews will arrive to empty them. Where a bin is presented correctly (correct materials, time, day, place etc.) in accordance with this policy document but has been genuinely missed, Dorset Council will return to empty it.
Dorset Council will endeavour to collect it within no more than five working days of being notified by the householder. Please do not report a missed bin until after 4pm on the day of collection.
Contaminated bins and containers
Where the collection crew is unable to empty a container because it has not been presented correctly (e.g. contains contaminating material), they will leave information indicating why it has not been emptied.
In this case, Dorset Council will not return to empty the bin or container prior to the next scheduled collection.
The householders will need to remove all contamination from the bin or container before the next scheduled collection or it will not be emptied. Where a genuine mistake has occurred, additional material may be collected at the next planned collection.
Further information regarding the use of each containers, materials that can and cannot be put into each container and contaminants is included in the appendices at the end of this policy.
Overfilled or overweight bins
Bins should not be overfilled or too heavy for the collection crew and vehicle to move and lift safely. If waste is too compacted, it may not come out of the bin when it is tipped into the collection vehicle.
In this case, it will be left in the bin and it will be the householders’ responsibility to remove this before the next collection. The householders will be expected to remove items that are too heavy to empty.
The householders should make sure that the bin is not overfilled so that the lid can close completely.
Dorset Council will only empty bins that have the lid closed; a part open lid can obstruct the vehicle's lifting equipment and is a health and safety risk.
Cold weather – materials freezing inside containers
During very cold weather, materials can freeze inside containers, and on occasion this means they cannot be emptied.
This particularly affects organic materials such as food waste. In exceptional weather conditions, particularly snow and ice, collections may be suspended.
Dorset Council will make best endeavours to return as soon as conditions have improved and access is possible.
Information about alternative collection arrangements will be kept up to date on the Council website and local media where possible.
Crew unable to access containers
There are occasions where collection crews are prevented from accessing bins for collection due to poorly parked vehicles, roadworks, etc.
Where this is the case, Dorset Council will make every effort to return once access becomes available and communicate with householders in affected areas. In exceptional circumstances, if a collection vehicle is repeatedly restricted from accessing bins, residents may be requested to take wheeled bins, containers or sacks to an agreed alternative collection point.
Collection crews will not normally wheel out several containers from roads to an access point for emptying. Where there are persistent problems with access, and there is no reasonable expectation of accessing a road or area, Dorset Council may not return to empty missed bins.
In this case, Dorset Council will seek to resolve the access issues with individuals and agencies such as the police and highways authority. A possible solution may be to agree a designated collection point.
Dorset Council reserves the right to alter collection schedules if required, e.g. public holidays. Information about alternative collection arrangements will be kept up to date on the Council website and in council newsletters.