What to put in your general rubbish bin
Your black bin is for household waste that cannot be recycled, repaired, reused or donated.
- Black bins are collected every 2 weeks
- Black sacks (used in some properties) are collected weekly
Before throwing something away, consider whether it can be recycled, repaired, reused or donated. Reducing your waste helps the environment and saves resources – learn how to reduce your waste.
Once an item goes in your black bin, it cannot be reused or recycled. To find out what happens to it after collection, visit London Energy.
What can go in your black bin
Items that cannot be recycled, repaired, reused or donated:
- Nappies, tissues and sanitary products – have you tried reusable nappies?
- Non-infectious healthcare waste, such as catheters, plasters, bandages and stoma bags (please double bag) – see healthcare waste collections
- Dirty foil (clean foil can be reused or recycled)
- Polystyrene
- Pet waste and cat litter granules
- Pet food pouches
- Plastic film
- Pyrex glass and ceramics
What cannot go in your black bin
- Food waste
- Recyclables, such as paper, card, plastic, glass and cans
- Cooking oil*
- Clinical waste, such as syringes, needles and infectious items – see healthcare waste collections
- Corrosive products, such as bleach and acids
- Engine oil, petrol and diesel*
- Hazardous waste
- Plasterboard*
- Paint*
- Rubble and hardcore (bricks and tiles)*
*These items can be taken to Barrowell Green Recycling Centre or Edmonton EcoPark.
No extra waste beside your bin
We only collect rubbish that fits inside your bin with the lid fully closed.
Do not overfill your bin or leave extra bags or items next to it as these will not be collected. If your bin is too heavy, we will not be able to empty it.
Please note: Not following these rules could result in a fixed penalty. Find out more on our waste enforcement page.
What to do if you have excess waste
If your black bin is full, here are some ways to manage your extra waste:
- Recycle more – make sure you’re using your blue recycling bin and brown food waste bin to free up space in your black bin
- Donate usable items to registered charities – the British Heart Foundation offers a free home collection service
- Reduce your waste – see our tips for reducing household rubbish
- Larger families – if you meet the criteria, you may be eligible for a larger 240-litre black bin
- Visit one of our Recycling Centres – you can take extra waste to:
What happens to my rubbish?
Rubbish is taken to the energy-from-waste facility in Edmonton, Enfield. This site is run by London Energy Limited, which is wholly owned by the North London Waste Authority.
For more information, visit North London Waste Authority – What happens to north London's rubbish?