Waste and recycling collections
We provide a weekly recycling and waste collection service to households in the city of Leicester in partnership with our contractor Biffa Leicester.
Quick links
Where and when do I leave my waste and recycling?
Your orange bags and black general waste bin should be left at the edge of your property nearest the road for collection by 7am on collection day. Your bin should be left out no earlier than 7pm the day before collection, and must be back on your property no later than 7am the following day.
The bin lid should be closed, and no other bags other than the orange bags should be presented for collection. Large cardboard boxes can be flattened and placed underneath orange bags.
No other waste or recycling, bagged or otherwise, should be left around the bins.
What can I put in my black general waste bin?
- Food waste
- Nappies
- Broken glass
- Polystyrene/styrofoam
- Other general household waste.
What can't be put in the black general waste bin?
Some items cannot be placed in black bins:
- Clinical waste - find out about our separate collection service for medical waste such as needles.
- Rubble, bricks, stones, concrete or soil (take these to a recycling centre)
- Hard metal objects (take these to a recycling centre).
Hazardous items
The following hazardous items should be taken to a recycling centre:
- Asbestos (find out how this should be disposed)
- Batteries (in particular lithium batteries, commonly found in phones)
- Electrical goods, including fridge/freezer, TV monitors
- Energy saving lightbulbs and fluorescent tubes
- Hazardous chemicals such as solvent based products, some cleaning products or items contaminated with hazardous chemicals, including used containers.
- Oil, petrol, diesel or paraffin, brake fluid, antifreeze or items contaminated with these liquids including containers.
- Pesticides
- Plasterboard or cement products
- Wood preservatives.
We don’t collect hazardous waste. It is the responsibility of the householder to take their hazardous waste to the local household waste recycling centre or make arrangements with a private licensed contractor. Find out more on our hazardous waste webpage.
Bins left on the street
Our city wardens have been working with communities to address the issue of bins being left out on residential streets. Residents who do not remove their bins may be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £80. If there is an accident as a result of your bin being left out on a non-collection day, then you could be liable. You can report this issue to our city wardens:
Need help putting your bin/recycling bags out?
If you are unable to put your bin or recycling bags out, and there is no one else in the property that can help, you may be eligible for assistance. Submit your details using the online form so that we can discuss your requirements.
Waste and recycling at religious institutions
Religious institutions may be eligible for free refuse and recycling collections. We determine a religious organisation on the basis that they are a place of worship accessible to all. Please email customer.serviceline@leicester.gov.uk to request a waste service.