Why is there a green tag on my bin?
The collection crew put a green tag or sticker on your recycling bin or box because it contained items that should not be in there.
If the crew spot the incorrect items, they should leave the container without emptying it.
If the crew notice that your container included incorrect items after emptying it, they should place a tag on the empty container afterwards.
Why was my recycling not emptied?
Recycling containers that include items they should not do are considered 'contaminated' and are not emptied.
This is because the Recycle for Dorset recycling collection is a 'commingled' collection, which means that dry recyclable materials (with the important exception of glass, see below) are put in the same container and emptied into the same part of the vehicle together. They are sorted into their different types at the recycling facility.
This is different to the former 'kerbside sort' recycling service, where materials were manually sorted into different parts of the vehicle by staff at the kerbside.
Items that are not accepted for recycling using the Recycle for Dorset recycling collection include:
- general rubbish
- food waste
- garden waste
- plastic bags and film
- waxed cardboard (Tetra-Pak) cartons
- aluminium foil
- clothes and textiles
However, Tetra-Paks, foil and textiles can be taken to some household and mini recycling centres in Dorset.
Why is glass collected separately?
The Recycle for Dorset recycling collection includes a separate collection of glass bottles and jars using a green box, which is emptied into a separate section of the vehicle, usually via a spare wheelie bin carried on the vehicle.
If glass is mixed with other materials it is difficult to separate once smashed and greatly reduces the quality and value of the recycled materials, particularly paper, that can be produced. It is important we get the best possible value for the recycling we collect to help keep our costs down for local taxpayers.
What do I need to do?
- please remove any incorrect items and put them in the right container before your next collection
- food and drink containers should be empty and preferably rinsed
- tetra-paks, foil and textiles can be taken to some household and mini recycling centres in Dorset
- check which materials you can put in which container