EDDC Refuse Collection: Bin Days, Missed Bins & Waste

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East Devon bins • missed collections • recycling choices

East Devon Bin Help Without Guesswork

Use this guide to check your EDDC bin day, report a missed collection, sort your recycling box and sack, use the blue food caddy, manage black bin waste, and choose the right route for green waste or large items.

It is built for fast scrolling: problem first, exact rule next, then the official East Devon link only when you know the right service.

Choose my problem Bin day rules Missed collection

Quick answer: East Devon containers must be out on the right day, by 6am, in the correct place, with the correct waste inside. Wait until 5pm before reporting a missed collection because crews may still be working.

Missed collection rule: EDDC says it will try to return within 48 hours for missed containers. Report online after checking the day, time, place and waste type.

Check official bin dates Report missed collection Which container do I use?

Choose your EDDC waste problem

Tap one option. You will get the correct next step before opening an official form.

Choose one option above to see the best next step.

Bin day and 6am rule

For most East Devon homes, the whole task is simple: exact address, correct container, out by 6am, correct place.

User question EDDC answer Best action
How do I check my bin day? Use the EDDC “When is my bin collected?” lookup. Enter postcode or part address and select your property.
What time should containers go out? By 6am. Put them out the evening before if your road is collected early.
Where should containers go? At the boundary where your property meets the public highway, unless EDDC has told you otherwise. Keep containers visible but do not block pavements, roads or shared access.
Can I add extra recycling? Yes, but not in black sacks. Extra recycling can go in plastic bags or a container no bigger than the green box. Use clear/visible bags, not refuse bags.
What about large cardboard? Flatten it and remove polystyrene. It can go underneath or beside the recycling box. Put very large amounts out in smaller amounts over coming weeks.
Should I use the app? EDDC promotes the East Devon app for collection dates and local details. Useful if you often forget collection weeks.
Local tip: East Devon includes narrow lanes, villages and coastal streets. If a lorry cannot safely reach or see your containers, a correct bin-day date will not help. Place containers at the agreed visible point without blocking access.
Open official bin-day lookup Report missed collection

Which EDDC container should I use?

East Devon is not a simple “one recycling bin” area. The recycling box, recycling sack, blue food caddy and black bin/gull sack each have different jobs.

Container Use it for Do not use it for Quick tip
Recycling box Paper, cardboard, glass bottles/jars, household batteries in clear bags, reusable clothes/shoes in bags, small electricals bagged separately. Plastic packaging, tins/cans, foil, aerosols, food waste, black sacks. Keep batteries, textiles and small electricals separate so crews can handle them safely.
Recycling sack Plastic pots/tubs/trays/bottles, cartons/Tetra Paks, tins/cans, metal lids, clean foil and empty aerosols. Cardboard, glass, plastic film, polystyrene, bubble wrap, soft pouches and crisp packets. Squash plastic bottles and leave lids on.
Blue food caddy Fruit/veg peelings, cooked/uncooked food, meat, fish, bones, plate scrapings, teabags, coffee grounds and pet food. Compostable packaging, animal bedding, animal waste and liquids. You can line it with newspaper or single-use plastic bags such as carrier bags or bread bags.
Black wheeled bin / gull sack Waste that cannot go in the recycling box, recycling sack or food caddy, including nappies and incontinence products. Garden waste, rubble, hazardous waste, paint and items accepted at recycling centres. EDDC only collects waste contained inside its black wheeled bin or gull sack.
Green waste bin Paid garden waste service: grass, flowers, leaves, shrub/hedge trimmings and small branches under 10cm thick. Soil, stones, turf, kitchen food, pet bedding, plant pots, invasive weeds and household refuse. Green waste must be loose, not bagged, and in an EDDC-branded green bin.

Missed collection decision tree

Do not report too early. EDDC says to wait until 5pm because crews may still be working.

Is it before 5pm?
Wait. Collections may still be underway.
Was it the right collection day?
No → check your address lookup and calendar first.
Was it out by 6am?
No → it may not count as missed. Put it out correctly next time.
Was it in the correct place?
No → move it to your boundary or agreed point next time.
Was the correct waste inside?
No → remove the wrong items before the next collection.
Still missed after 5pm?
Report online. EDDC says it will try to return within 48 hours for missed containers.
Green waste exception: If a green waste bin was not presented correctly by 6am, EDDC will not return until the next scheduled collection.
Official missed collection page

Recycling box and sack: stop the common mistakes

Most EDDC recycling problems happen because the right item is put in the wrong recycling container.

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Box = paper, card, glass

The recycling box is for paper, cardboard and glass, plus separately bagged batteries, small electricals and clothes/shoes.

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Sack = plastics, cans, cartons

The recycling sack is for plastics, cartons, tins/cans, clean foil and empty aerosols.

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No black refuse bags

EDDC says excess recycling should not be put out in black refuse bags.

Waste item Correct EDDC route Important detail
Glass bottles and jars Recycling box. Keep out of the recycling sack.
Cardboard Recycling box or flattened beside/under the box. Remove polystyrene first.
Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays Recycling sack. Squash bottles and leave lids on.
Plastic film, bubble wrap, crisp packets Not collected kerbside in recycling sack. Use other recycling routes where available or black bin if not recyclable.
Textiles and shoes Recycling box, bagged. Do not use black refuse bags.
Small electricals Recycling box, bagged separately from clothes/shoes. Examples include kettles, toasters, irons and tied household cables.
Household batteries Clear plastic bag with recycling box. Keep separate for safety.
Overflow recycling tip: EDDC allows up to three recycling boxes, sacks and food caddies. If you regularly overflow, request more containers instead of using black bags.
Which container do I use? Request recycling container

Black bin or gull sack: what it is really for

The black wheeled bin or gull sack is for leftover waste only — the stuff that cannot go in your recycling box, recycling sack or blue food caddy.

Use it for

  • Nappies and incontinence products.
  • Non-recyclable household rubbish.
  • Waste that cannot go in the box, sack or food caddy.
  • Animal bedding only if it cannot go through another safe route.

Keep out

  • Garden waste.
  • Rubble, soil and DIY waste.
  • Hazardous waste.
  • Paint.
  • Items your local recycling centre can take.
Gull sack note: If you use a gull sack, EDDC says waste inside it should be bagged first. This protects the sack and reduces risk for collection crews.

Blue food caddy: exact rules

The food caddy saves black-bin space and reduces mess. East Devon allows newspaper or single-use plastic bags such as carrier bags or bread bags as liners.

Put in the food caddy

  • Fruit and vegetable peelings.
  • Cooked and uncooked food.
  • Meat and fish, including bones.
  • Plate scrapings.
  • Tea bags and tea/coffee grounds.
  • Cat and dog food.

Do not put in the food caddy

  • Compostable packaging.
  • Animal bedding.
  • Animal waste.
  • Liquids.
  • Garden waste.
  • Recycling or general rubbish.
Kitchen tip: Food waste is often the hidden reason black bins fill too fast. If your black bin is overloaded, use the blue caddy properly for one full week and check the difference.

Extra waste and side bags

Since 1 November 2016, EDDC has not collected loose waste or bags left beside wheeled bins. The lid must be fully closed and the bin must not be overloaded.

Problem Best EDDC-safe solution Do not do this
Black bin full Use recycling box/sack and blue food caddy properly first. Do not put bags beside the bin.
Extra cardboard Flatten it, remove polystyrene, place under/beside recycling box. Do not stuff large boxes into black bin.
Large amount of card Put out smaller amounts over coming weeks. Do not create a large obstruction at the kerbside.
Occasional extra waste Contact customer services on 01395 571515 about one-off chargeable collection. Do not leave loose waste or overloaded bins.
Too many refuse bags Compress bin liners and place bags sideways to use space better. Do not force the lid open.
Official extra waste guidance Call 01395 571515

Green waste service: cost, rules and missed bins

East Devon’s green waste service is a paid 12-month subscription, collected fortnightly for 11 months with a six-week Christmas break.

Green waste point EDDC detail What to do
Annual cost £65 for a 12-month subscription. Check current price before paying.
Frequency Fortnightly collections. Collection days can change around bank/public holidays.
Christmas break Service runs for 11 months with a six-week Christmas break. Plan pruning before the break or use a recycling centre.
Capacity Maximum three green waste bins per property as standard; each charged at the same annual rate. More than three only in exceptional circumstances.
Presentation By 6am at the boundary/agreed point, lid closed, not too heavy. No side waste and no waste on lids.
Missed bin If presented correctly and missed, EDDC returns within two working days once reported. Do not report before the following day because collections can run until 5pm.
Moving house Leave the green bin at the old property. No refund for unused period. Take out a new subscription at your new East Devon address if needed.

Green waste accepted

  • Grass cuttings.
  • Flowers.
  • Windfall fruit/veg from the garden, in small quantities.
  • Small branches up to 10cm thick.
  • Loose leaves.
  • Shrub and hedge trimmings.

Green waste not accepted

  • Large branches over 10cm thick.
  • Turf, earth, soil, stones or gravel.
  • Kitchen food waste.
  • Pet bedding.
  • Plant pots.
  • Invasive weeds or green waste with signs of Ash Dieback.
Important: Green waste must be loose in the EDDC green bin. Do not use plastic bags or compostable sacks because they affect the composting process.
Green waste service info Green waste FAQs Green waste terms

Large item collection: prices and rules

Use this for bulky household items when reuse, donation or a recycling centre is not practical. EDDC charges per number of items, up to 10.

Number of items Current EDDC charge User note
1 item£60.00Minimum current charge.
2 items£75.00Useful if adding one more eligible item.
3 items£90.00Check whether a reuse route is better first.
4 items£105.00List items exactly when booking.
5 items£120.00Do not add unbooked items.
6 items£135.00Keep items accessible for crews.
7 items£150.00Consider charity/reuse if items are usable.
8 items£165.00Check if recycling centre can take some items.
9 items£180.00Close to maximum booking size.
10 items£195.00Maximum number of items you can book.
Before paying: EDDC says there are no concessions or exceptions to the charge. If the item is reusable, check donation/reuse options first.
Large item collection costs Large item collection service

Request boxes, sacks, caddies or a new property set

Use the right route. A normal container request is different from a new property with no bins at all.

Need EDDC route What happens next
New recycling box Request a recycling container form. EDDC asks for address details and preferred contact method.
New recycling sack Request a recycling container form. You should receive confirmation email/text and a reference.
Food caddy Request a recycling container form or call customer services if needed. Delivery aim is 5–10 working days, but busy periods may take longer.
Just moved into a property with no bins/containers Do not use the recycling-container form. Call customer services on 01395 571515 so they can order the full set.
Flats/shared recycling store posters or stickers Call the recycling team. Use 01395 571650 for extra recycling-store support.
Request recycling container Request bin, box or sack Call 01395 571515

Assisted collections: help moving containers

Assisted collection is for residents who cannot put waste, recycling or green waste containers out because of disability or mobility difficulties.

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Who it helps

Residents with disability or mobility difficulties who cannot move containers to the collection point.

15+

Who is not eligible

EDDC says assistance cannot be offered if an able-bodied person over 15 lives at the property.

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Temporary or permanent

The request can be temporary or permanent. You can also use the form to cancel assisted collection.

What you need: complete the online form with name, address and the date you want assisted collection to start. EDDC confirms when the assisted collection starts.
Request assisted collection

Flats and shared bin stores

Shared areas fail when one resident puts the wrong item in the wrong place. EDDC gives specific help for flats, handy bags, bulky items and recycling-store problems.

Shared-area issue Correct action Useful detail
Handy bag use Fill it indoors, take it to the bin store, empty contents into the relevant green boxes, then take it back to your flat. Separate materials according to the box labels.
Food caddy needed Call customer services if you need a free small kitchen worktop food caddy. Use 01395 571515.
Overflowing waste bins Recycle properly first; report ongoing store problems to housing officer/landlord if relevant. Overflowing bins can prevent crews collecting waste and recycling.
Bulky items in bin store Do not leave wardrobes, furniture, mattresses or fridges in the recycling store. Use bulky waste service, recycling centre or reuse option.
Stickers, posters, extra recycling containers Call the recycling team. Use 01395 571650.
Official flats/shared areas guidance

East Devon recycling centres

Devon County Council runs recycling centres. East Devon has centres at Sidmouth, Sutton Barton near Honiton and Knowle Hill in Exmouth.

Need Best route Before you go
Find nearest recycling centre Use Devon County Council recycling centres map/list. Check accepted materials and opening times.
East Devon centre towns Sidmouth, Honiton/Sutton Barton and Exmouth/Knowle Hill. Choose the centre that accepts your item.
DIY / rubble / soil / chargeable waste Check Devon’s chargeable waste rules. There may be free allowances and charges depending on material.
Van visit Check Devon’s van permit system. Privately registered vans may need a permit and have visit limits.
Bad weather Check before travelling. Centres may close or delay opening at short notice in extreme weather.
Reuse first: If furniture or household goods are usable, check reuse shops or charities before paying for large item collection or visiting a recycling centre.
East Devon recycling centres Chargeable waste rules Van permit rules

Contact script and useful numbers

Use online forms first where possible. Call when your case is unusual, you have just moved in with no containers, or a shared-property issue needs extra help.

Need Contact / route Have ready
Missed collection Online missed collection form. Address, container type, collection date, whether it was out by 6am.
General customer services 01395 571515 Postcode, property address and service needed.
Flats/shared recycling stickers, posters, handy bag 01395 571650 Property/block details and what your bin store needs.
Devon recycling centres 0345 155 1010 Which centre and waste item you want to take.
Complaint about crew behaviour/littering/damage Use EDDC recycling and waste complaints form. Address, contact details, date/time and vehicle details if relevant.

Simple call/email script

Hello, I’m contacting you about waste collection at [full address and postcode]. The container is [recycling box / recycling sack / blue food caddy / black bin / gull sack / green waste bin]. It was due on [date]. It was out by 6am at [boundary/agreed point], with the correct waste inside. Can you confirm the correct next step?

EDDC Refuse Collection FAQs

How do I check my EDDC bin collection day?

Use East Devon District Council’s official “When is my bin collected?” lookup. Enter your postcode or part of your address and select your property to see your collection dates.

What time should I put my East Devon containers out?

Put your containers out by 6am on the correct collection day and in the correct place at the boundary of your property or agreed collection point.

When can I report a missed collection in East Devon?

Wait until 5pm because collection crews may still be working. Before reporting, check the containers were out on the right day, by 6am, in the correct place and with the correct waste inside.

What happens after I report a missed collection?

East Devon District Council says it will try to return within 48 hours to collect missed containers after the missed collection has been reported.

What goes in the East Devon recycling box?

The recycling box is used for paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, household batteries in clear bags, reusable clothes and shoes in bags, and small electrical items bagged separately.

What goes in the East Devon recycling sack?

The recycling sack is used for plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles, cartons, tins and cans, metal lids, clean foil and empty aerosols. Do not put cardboard or glass in the sack.

Can I leave extra rubbish beside my black bin?

No. East Devon District Council does not collect loose waste or bags left beside wheeled bins. The bin lid must be fully closed and waste must be contained inside the black wheeled bin or gull sack.

How much is East Devon green waste collection?

East Devon lists the green waste service at £65 for a 12-month subscription. It is a fortnightly service for 11 months of the year with a six-week break at Christmas.

How much is EDDC large item collection?

East Devon’s current large item charges start at £60 for 1 item and increase up to £195 for 10 items. Ten items is the maximum number that can be booked.

How do I get assisted collections in East Devon?

You can request assisted collection if disability or mobility difficulties stop you putting waste, recycling or green waste containers out. East Devon cannot offer assistance if an able-bodied person over 15 lives at the property.

Final practical advice

For EDDC refuse collection, the best routine is short: check your address, put containers out by 6am, use the right box, sack, caddy or bin, keep black-bin waste inside the bin, and wait until 5pm before reporting a missed collection.

If the waste does not fit the normal route, choose the proper service: extra recycling container, green waste subscription, large item collection, assisted collection, shared-area support, or Devon County Council recycling centre.

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