Damaged or missing bins and extra recycling sacks

Damaged or missing bins

Damaged bin

If your bin is damaged, for example it’s split, the wheels are broken, lid split or missing, then there is no charge for the replacement.

Damage to bins caused by fire or arson will need to be paid for at the normal cost. You might be able to claim this back from your insurance if you have a Police crime number.

Replacing a lost or stolen bin

There is a charge of £33 per 240 litre bin for residents replacing a lost or stolen bin.

The cost for housing associations, landlords, letting agents, property management companies and so on, for replacing a lost or stolen bin is £33+VAT per 240 litre bin.

This charge is to cover the cost and delivery of the bin. The bin will remain the property of West Suffolk Council. West Suffolk Council is spending an increasing amount each year purchasing and delivering wheeled bins and is no longer able to sustain this.

If you bin went into the back of the collection vehicle, the crew will mark on their in-cab tablet that the bin has gone into the back of the collection vehicle. You will be sent a replacement out free of charge which we will aim to deliver within 20 working days. Where practical for the crews, they will leave sacks for you to use while you are waiting for your replacement bin.

How to get a replacement for a lost or stolen bin

You can phone Customer Services on 01284 757320 or email customer.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk and one of our advisors will be able to help you. Please make sure you have a good look round for your bin before calling us for a replacement as once payment has been made, we will not issue any refund.

How long will it take for my bin to arrive?

The time it takes us to deliver bins can change depending on operational constraints, however we will deliver your bin as soon as practically possible. Our Customer Services team will advise you of the current timescale when you speak to them.

Ways to avoid your bin being stolen

Please remember it is your responsibility to look after the wheeled bins at your property. There are ways you can help avoid your bin being taken:

• Clearly mark the bin with your address or at least the house name or number.
• Do not put the bin out too early on collection day (but it must be out by 6.15am).
• Bring the bin in as soon as possible after collection.
• Check with your neighbours after collection if your bin is missing.

If you don’t want to pay for a replacement bin, you can take your waste to the household waste recycling centre

Please note that the collection crews will be notified that you are no longer eligible for a kerbside collection.

You cannot pay for a second bin for your waste

You cannot pay for a second bin. If you think you might be eligible for help with additional waste, please check: Apply for a larger bin.

Extra recycling sacks

You can buy blue recycling sacks online at a cost of £4 for 10 which includes delivery charges (you can use these sacks in the West Suffolk area). We will collect a maximum of four sacks in addition to the contents of your blue bin on collection day. We will not collect additional recycling in bags that are not council issued. Use this online Blue bag request form to buy extra recycling sacks.