Refuse and recycling collections

All collections are currently operating as normal.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we are working hard to make sure you receive regular refuse and recycling collections which is our top priority. We are extremely busy, and there may need to be changes to how bins are collected, so please try to keep your household waste to a minimum during this time. Unless things fit inside your bins they will not be collected.

At a time where more residents are working from home, if you do park your car on the road or rear street please can you ensure clear access is provided to the collection team so that they can navigate a clear route which will enable us to successfully empty all bins on your street. It would also be helpful if you could put your bin out for collection earlier than usual, this will assist us if we need to make any collection round adjustments with available resources.

Lancashire County Council have relaxed restrictions at Lytham recycling centre and you no longer need to book an appointment slot before visiting. However social distancing measures remain in place. For full details on the current tip arrangements please visit https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/

Keeping yourself and the collection crew who collect your rubbish and recycling safe

Remember to wash your hands and to clean the handles of your bins and boxes before and after you put them out for collection.

The collection crews will have touch all bins and boxes on your street, and lots of others too, and cannot change their gloves between each bin and box they handle. Washing your hands and wiping the handles of your containers will help to keep you – and them safe. And don’t forget if you do come across the collection crew emptying containers please keep a safe distance from them.

It is more important than ever to ensure that recycling is clean and dry before placing in the blue bin or green box.

Please ensure that all rubbish bags are securely tied before placing in the grey bin, this will prevent any spillages on collection day, protecting our staff and the public.

Please do not place any bags alongside the bins as they will not be taken by the collection team.

Personal waste

Personal waste relating to anyone who has, or is suspected of having coronavirus (COVID-19) needs to be treated differently, please follow the guidance below to minimise the risk of transfer of infection:

  • Put disposable cleaning cloths and used tissues in a plastic rubbish bag
  • Then put that bag inside another bag and tie it securely
  • Store this bag securely, away from your other household waste for a minimum of 72 hours
  • Once the 72 hours has passed, you can then place the bag inside your grey bin

If your next grey bin collection is more than 72 hours away, you can put your double bagged rubbish straight into your grey bin.

All other household waste can be disposed of as normal.

Changes to our services

Disposal of unwanted furniture items

If you have recently replaced any old furniture items such as beds, wardrobes, chest of drawers or fridge freezers and wish to dispose of the old items, they can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Lytham, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk for a list of acceptable items.  Alternatively, collections can be arranged via local charities.

Public toilets

The Danfo operated toilets are open to the public. Please remember to follow government guidance on social distancing and hand sanitisation when using the facilities.

Additional grey bin requests

During the pandemic it has been necessary to put applications on hold whilst staff resources could be redirected to essential services.  If you have applied for an additional bin, we will be in touch once normal services resume and we are in a position to reinstate waste audits as part of the application process.

Fly tipping

Leaving rubbish on the highways of Fylde is classified as fly tipping and is a criminal offence which you can be prosecuted for.

Unwanted items can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Lytham (Saltcotes Road). Alternatively collections can be arranged via private contractors, it is important when using a private waste removal company that you make sure they are licensed to dispose of your waste. Please note householders can be prosecuted for fly tipping if a waste disposal company collects waste from your household and subsequently dumps this on the highways of Fylde.

Asbestos, plasterboard and gypsum

This type of material cannot be placed in the grey bin as this is classed as hazardous material and is harmful to our collection crews. This can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Lytham, please visit www.lancashire.gov.uk for further information.

Electrical items, batteries and light bulbs

We offer a collection service for small household batteries (AA, AAA, 6V, 9V, C, D and button). Please place used batteries in the battery bag provided and once full place out for collection on the lid of the blue or brown wheeled bins.

Old electrical items, large batteries and light bulbs cannot be placed in your bins as they can cause fires in the collection vehicles and at the reprocessing plants where your waste is taken. Please take these items to the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Lytham.

Burning waste

Please do not burn waste in your garden or on open fires / stoves in the home. A lot of household waste is unsuitable for burning. By burning the wrong type of waste this can increase the risk of fires which can heavily impact on our emergency services.

Burning waste can also emit harmful particles into the air. COVID-19 causes respiratory problems, any air pollution through burning household waste can reduce air quality and can cause unnecessary risks to the public.

Below are some top tips on ways to reduce your household waste

Food waste

An average family of four can save an average of £60 per month by reducing food waste. The love food hate waste website has some fantastic recipes and tips on how to store and use up food and leftovers to help reduce the amount of food you throw away.

Garden waste

Why not have a go at home composting? There are some great deals on home composting bins, which are available to purchase via www.getcomposting.com and producing your own compost is great for growing plants and provides nutrients for your flower beds and pots.

Alternatively, why not leave your grass cuttings on your lawn to mulch down, providing nutrients for your garden or leave areas of your grass uncut (the wildlife will love this!)

Textiles, clothes and shoes

If you decide to have a clear out in your wardrobe you will need to store your old clothes, shoes and other textiles such as bedding, cushions, curtains and towels until the charity shops reopen. Don’t forget you mustn’t leave any donations outside closed charity shops as this is classed as fly tipping.

Alternatively, why not search the internet for craft ways to reuse textiles, such as making old pillowcases into tote bags, teaching children some basic sewing skills using old clothes and buttons or cut and resize into cleaning cloths.

Make your own baby wipes

If you’re running low on baby wipes, don’t despair. You can easily make your own reusable version. As well as being low waste with zero toxic chemicals, you could save around £600 a year! Simply use washcloths or cut old, soft fabric into squares, soak in boiling water with a few drops of baby wash, essential oils such as lavender or tea tree or just plain water. Stash the cloth squares in a reusable bag (or leftover container) and you are good to go!

Keep the children occupied

If you are looking for some creative and crafty ideas for the children, please visit the waste buster website for lots of craft activities and activity sheets you can try at home. If you would like to have a go at making some toys out of recyclable materials, there are some imaginative ideas on the Rubbish Please website

Get creative

Some television programs take everyday items, which were destined for the tip, and give them a new lease of life. How about unleashing your inner artist and have a go at making something new out of something old?