Waste you may put in your brown bin.
Brown bins are used for cardboard and compostable garden waste. They are collected once a fortnight and the contents composted.
- Please do not put any plastic items or bags in your brown bin. That includes plastic plant pots, hoses, rope, plastic packaging or sacks of mixed waste. They don't compost very well. In fact, they don't compost at all. Neither do glass bottles, duvets or carpeting, which some people insist on putting in their brown bins.
- These items contaminate the materials sent for composting If the collection crew finds contaminants in your brown bit, it won't be emptied until they are removed.
Your Questions
What can I put in my brown bin?
- Cardboard (including packaging such as cereal and soap powder boxes, boxes for tea bags, tissues etc., card sleeves from ready-made meals and inners from loo rolls). Please remove all tape, staples and inner contents. NB: Polystyrene is not compostable.
- Flowers & plants
- Garden prunings
- Garden weeds
- Grass clippings
- Hedge trimmings
- Leaves
- Wood shavings
- Yellow pages
- Christmas trees -- cut up and placed fully inside the bin
What if my brown bin contains unsuitable items?
'Unsuitable items' include plastics of all types, soil, rubble, wood and general household waste. All unsuitable items must be removed and put into the correct bin. The Waste Services team will leave a note informing you why your bin was not emptied. In this case the bin will not be collected until the next scheduled brown bin collection day.
Can I line my brown wheelie bin with a plastic bag?
No. There must be no plastic bags in your brown wheelie bin. We have trialled the use of plastic bin liners in the brown wheelie bins and found that they often get snagged and end up in the collection lorry, which contaminates the whole load.
Can I put degradable bags into my brown bin?
No. Most degradable bags sold in supermarkets are not suitable for composting. They tend to only break apart into smaller bits of plastic and cause contamination.
How can I find out what the collection days are for my bins?
Using your postcode you can find out information on collection days and more on your bins
My bin has been chewed up by the collection lorry, what should I do?
A new bin can be arranged if you get in touch.
- Telephone: 0845 277 7000
- Text: 07717990001
- Email Us
Why can’t I put compostable kitchen waste like fruit and veg peelings in my brown bin?
National legislation known as the Animal By-Products Order has prevented us from collecting food wastes from households, due to the type of composting system in use at Lower Polmaise. However, options for sending food waste to other processors are being explored and it is hoped we will be able to conduct a pilot food waste collection scheme in the near future.
More information about composting biodegradable waste at home.
Can I have another brown bin?
It may be possible to get another (two per household maximum). If you believe an additional brown bin is needed, and you are not able to compost at home, please call 08452 777 000.
Can I swap my brown bin for a smaller one?
Yes. Smaller (120L) bins are available. Please remember that all cardboard, which can be bulky, should go in this bin. Also be sure to consider that you may require higher capacity at certain times of the year when you may be producing more garden waste. If you feel you only need a smaller bin, please phone 08452 777 000 to request the exchange of your standard (240L) bin for a smaller one.
I currently get a pull-out for my grey bin, will I get this for my brown bin?
Yes – if you are on the grey bin pull-out list, you will automatically receive a pull-out for your brown wheelie bin.
Will additional waste be collected if not within the brown wheelie bin?
No. If the items cannot fit into the bin, a special uplift would have to be arranged.
What happens if I don’t want a brown bin?
Even if you don’t have a garden, remember that all of your cardboard (including packaging such as cereal and soap powder boxes, boxes for tea bags, tissues etc., card sleeves from ready-made meals and inners from loo rolls) should go in your brown wheelie bin.
If you live in a block of flats or tenement property where there is no garden or it is maintained on a contractual basis and the garden waste is removed by the contractor, then you may wish to agree among fellow residents to share a smaller number of brown bins. If this is your situation, please contact us on 08452 777 000 and you will be put through to the relevant Waste Services officer.
If you live in a detached or semi-detached property and can demonstrate that you compost all of your cardboard and/or garden waste at home then you may also request the removal of your brown wheelie bin.
What if I think my bin has been missed?
Double check you put the correct bin out for collection.
Alternatively, your bin may not have been emptied because it contained unsuitable items – in this case you must remove these items and your bin will be emptied on your next brown bin collection day. If the bin does not contain any unsuitable items and has been missed by the collection crew, call the contact Centre on 08452 777000 and we will investigate further.
How can I get a home composter?
Stirling Council residents can purchase discounted home composters through a national scheme that will deliver them to your door. For information on current models available, visit this page.
