Argyll and Bute Council’s waste and recycling collection services are provided to almost every household in Argyll and Bute. We frequently review these services to make sure that they continue to provide value for money for our householders.
One of the challenges that we face is in making sure that the correct bins are emptied from the correct properties. This can be due to a number of issues such as remote properties, or the historic layouts of our towns or villages. One of the ways we can improve this is to ask residents to clearly mark their bins with their address details. Many residents already do this – thank you. We now need all households to take part.
Help us streamline your bin service and stretch funding for services.
When do I have to mark my bins by?
Please mark your bins as soon as possible so we know they are in the right place, at the right time for collection.
What do I need to put on my bins?
Please put your house name or number, and street or road name on to show it belongs to you, and so mark it for collection.
I have more than one green bin/blue bin, will you collect them all?
If you are registered with us as needing a second green bin, then we will collect them both. You can find out if you qualify for a second green bin. Otherwise, we will only collect one green bin from each house. Extra blue bins are free to anyone who requests them and we will uplift them.
I already have my house name/number on my bins. Why do I have to add my street name?
Sometimes bins area collected from different street from where your house is. We need to make sure that we collect all the bins we’re supposed to. Sometimes bins from round the corner end up in the next street. We need to know where they’ve come from and you need to know which is your bin so you can get it back.
Where do I mark my bins?
Put it on back of the bin underneath the handles. When you present your bin with the handles facing towards the kerb it’s easy for our collectors to see the markings.
What should I use?
Please mark your bins clearly using a waterproof pen, paint or stickers.
Will you provide me with a pen or a sticker?
No, unfortunately we can’t do that. Paint pens and stick-on numbers are available online, in hardware stores and in some supermarkets. You can also order bespoke stickers online. If you have old pots of paint in the house or the shed, you can use them to mark the bin.
What size does it need to be?
Remember, our crews start collecting bins early in Winter mornings, when it’s dark, and they need to be able to see the markings from a distance. If you decide to buy stickers, we suggest nothing smaller than A5. If you are using paint or a waterproof pen then we’ve given you some examples of how it should look.
As a guide:
- Use a contrasting colour that stands out against the bin, like white (don’t use dark lettering)
- Use plain simple lettering (don’t use fancy fonts that are hard to read)
- If you order a sticker, please choose one with a contrasting background so the lettering stands out clearly.
I live in an area with communal bins, do I have to mark them up?
Yes, all bins need to be marked.
My bins sit at the end of a road/track, do I have to mark them?
Yes, all bins need to be marked; if you do not have a street name, please add your house name and/or number.
I get an assisted bin lift; do I need to mark my bins?
Yes, you do need to mark your bins.
I’m not able to mark my bins, and I don’t have anyone to help me. What should I do?
Please contact our customer services on 01546 605 514.
Here is more guidance on how to use your wheelie bin. Please remember, we cannot collect it if it is over-filled and the lid is not fully closed. If there is a delay in collecting your bin, please check service updates in the first instance. Leave you bin out as we aim to catch up with the route as soon as possible.
