Black bin

Black bin collection

Every household has one black bin that is collected every two weeks and is for general household waste that can't be recycled.

If you are in a property that has sack collections, your collection will be weekly.

Please try to recycle as much as possible before using your black bin.

Items that should NOT go in your black bin

Food
See Food Waste for the latest information.

Batteries, vapes, e-cigarettes and electrical items
If electrical items are in working order you can sell them or donate them to charity. Alternatively, take them to a local Recycling Centre along with your used batteries and vapes. You can also take batteries to local collection points in supermarkets and at electrical banks.

Asbestos
This is a hazardous waste and should be removed by a specialist company.

DIY waste
Bricks, rubble, paint containers, plasterboard, soil etc. should be taken to a Recycling Centre.

Gas cylinders
Pressured cylinders should never be put in your household bins as they pose a fire risk if they are crushed, they contaminate the recycling bin and can damage the sorting equipment. These include pressurised helium and Sodastream cylinders. For more information on disposal of different types please see gas cylinders in our A-Z guide.

Nappies
Nappies can often take up space in the general waste. Have you considered reusable nappies? Not only do they reduce waste which means more room in your bin, they also save money and are friendly on baby's bum! For more information and to get a 15% discount on all reusable nappy products visit Herts Reusable Nappies.

Garden waste
Garden waste should go in your green bin if you have a subscription, you can sign up to the Garden Waste Collection Service. Alternatively we have partnered with Get Composting to offer subsidised compost bins or you can take it to your local Recycling Centre.

Improved waste and recycling collections

Residents in Hertsmere will receive improved household waste and recycling collections under new plans to boost recycling and meet our environmental commitments, helping the borough to reduce avoidable waste.

In order to do this we have already enforced our single black bin policy and plan to introduce a weekly food waste collection service, bring in a new chargeable opt-in garden waste collection service which is fairer for all. This will allow our residents to recycle more, provide an equitable service for residents, reduce our carbon footprint, meet the needs of our growing population and comply with anticipated legislation changes.

These proposed changes, which will take place over the next year and bring Hertsmere in-line with well-performing waste and recycling services in neighbouring authorities, will help ensure that less rubbish is sent to landfill in the future.

For further information on these agreed changes please read the Full Council meeting report of 20 September 2023.

Larger bin

• If there are five or more of you in your household and you struggle to fit everything in your bin, you can apply for a larger bin. Firstly, a larger brown mixed recycling bin will be provided to increase your recycling capacity. If after two months you still feel you need a larger black bin, you can contact us and a waste audit will be carried out to ensure bins are being used effectively. Please note: If you move house within the borough you are responsible for taking your larger bin(s) with you to your new property and returning the standard size bin(s) to your previous property.