Edinburgh Refuse Collection: Bin Days, Missed Bins & Waste

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City of Edinburgh Council • bin days • missed bins

Edinburgh Bin Help for Kerbside, Communal and City Centre Streets

Use this guide to check Edinburgh refuse collection days, understand kerbside and communal bin rules, sort recycling correctly, and report missed bins without wasting time.

Start with your exact street or address, then follow the 6am kerbside rule, 10pm missed-bin rule, communal overflow route, garden waste permit rules, bulky uplift charges and recycling-centre booking steps.

Check bin day Choose my problem Missed bin help

Quick answer: Edinburgh bin collection depends on your street and service type. Kerbside bins should be on the kerbside by 6am on collection day. If your bin was out from 6am until 10pm and nothing else stopped collection, report it and leave it out; the council says it will come back within two working days.

Best first step: check the official collection day page for your street, then decide if you are using individual kerbside bins, communal bins, city-centre red/blue boxes, gull proof sacks or garden waste permits.

Official bin collection days Report a missed bin Bins and recycling hub

Check your Edinburgh bin collection day first

Edinburgh is not one single bin system. Your street may use wheelie bins, recycling boxes, communal bins, city-centre red/blue boxes or gull proof sacks. The official street search is the safest starting point.

Step What to do Why it matters
1. Open collection days Use the City of Edinburgh Council bin collection days page. Collection day and container type vary by street.
2. Search your street Enter the street name or use the directory route. City-centre and World Heritage streets can use different containers.
3. Check the service type Look for waste, recycling, food waste and garden waste separately. A date is not enough if you put out the wrong bin or box.
4. Save the collection window Kerbside bins should be out by 6am and kept out until 10pm before being treated as missed. This avoids reporting too early.
5. Check delays first Check current delays before using the missed-bin form. A whole-street delay is not the same as an individual missed bin.
Local tip: in tenement, New Town, Old Town and city-centre streets, do not assume your neighbour’s bin arrangement is yours. One street can have kerbside boxes, gull proof sacks or communal bins depending on the block and collection review area.
Check official collection days Search recycling and waste collection directory GOV.UK Edinburgh bin-day route

6am kerbside rules that decide collection

For individual kerbside collections, the council says bins should be on the kerbside by 6am and returned to your property as soon as possible after collection.

Rule Edinburgh answer Best action
Put-out time By 6am on collection day. Put bins out the night before if your street is collected early.
Missed-bin time Not classed as missed until after 10pm on the scheduled day. Wait until after 10pm unless delays page says otherwise.
Visibility Bins must be easily seen from the road. Do not hide bins behind walls, parked cars or locked gates.
Accessibility Access must not be blocked by roadworks or parked cars. Keep collection points clear, especially in narrow streets.
Pavement use Do not leave bins on pavements outwith collection days. Return bins quickly, and keep space for wheelchair, pushchair and partially sighted users.
Side waste Bags beside bins are not collected. Use another nearby communal bin, recycling centre appointment or bulky uplift route.

Choose your Edinburgh waste problem

Tap one issue. This gives the right next step before opening an official form.

Choose one option above to see the best next step.

Which Edinburgh waste service do you have?

This section is important because “Edinburgh refuse collection” means different things depending on where you live.

Service type Where it applies What the user should do
Individual kerbside wheelie bins Many houses and lower-density streets. Put bins/boxes on the kerbside by 6am, visible from the road, then return after collection.
Communal bins Tenements, flats and dense urban areas. Use the nearest correct communal bins; report full or overflowing communal household bins online.
City-centre red and blue box service Certain World Heritage / city-centre properties with planning restrictions. Put the correct box on the kerbside by 6am on the correct day.
Gull proof bags Some World Heritage Site streets. Put the reusable bag out only on the correct day, no later than 6.30am, then bring it in after emptying.
Garden waste permit Households that register and display a valid brown-bin permit sticker. Use the brown bin only if registered; collections are every two weeks during the service year.
Recycling centre appointment Large, excess or special waste that should not go beside bins. Book before driving to Seafield, Craigmillar or Sighthill, unless walking/cycling with small amounts where allowed.

Missed bin: Edinburgh decision tree

Do this before reporting. It keeps users from reporting too early or using the wrong form.

Have you checked delays?
No → check the delays page first. If your area/service is listed, wait for the update before reporting repeatedly.
Was it the correct collection day?
No → search your street on the official collection day page.
Was the bin out from 6am until 10pm?
No → it may not be classed as missed. Edinburgh says bins are not missed until after 10pm on the scheduled day.
Was the lid fully closed?
No → close the lid and reduce waste before the next collection.
Was it tagged?
Yes → remove the wrong items and put the bin out on the next collection day.
Was access blocked?
Yes → parked cars, roadworks or blocked street access can stop crews emptying bins.
Still genuinely missed?
Report it online and leave the bin out. The council says it will come back within two working days.
Communal bin note: do not use the missed-bin form for a full communal bin. Use the full or overflowing communal bin form.
Check collection delays Report a missed bin Report overflowing communal bin

Why your Edinburgh bin may not be collected

This answers the real “why was it left?” question after collection day.

Reason What it means Fix before next collection
Out after 6am Crew may have already passed. Put it out before 6am or the night before if allowed on your street.
Reported before 10pm Edinburgh says kerbside bins are not classed as missed until after 10pm. Wait until after 10pm unless the delays page gives a different instruction.
Wrong collection day Street service or container day may differ from nearby streets. Use the official street lookup.
Lid not closed Overfilled bins can be unsafe and messy. Reduce waste, recycle more, or book a recycling centre appointment.
Tagged as contaminated Wrong items were in the bin. Remove wrong items and present on the next collection day.
Blocked access Roadworks, parked cars or blocked streets stopped the lorry. Keep bin access clear where possible.
Bags beside bins Edinburgh says rubbish left beside bins is not collected. Use another correct bin, store waste, book HWRC appointment or bulky uplift.
Wrong form used Communal full bins, fly-tipping and bulky waste use different forms. Use the exact official form for the problem.

Kerbside recycling: green bin, box, grey food bin and brown garden bin

Use this table for individual kerbside collections. City-centre boxes and communal bins have separate rules below.

Container Yes No Practical tip
Green wheelie bin
Mixed recycling		 Paper, unwanted mail, cardboard, drinks cartons, clean plastic bottles with tops, pots, tubs, trays, clean cans, tins, foil, empty aerosols and envelopes. Plastic bags, wrappers, crisp bags, clingfilm, paper towels, plastic plant pots, toys, glass, batteries and small electricals. Empty/rinse containers first. Keep plastic film and bags out.
Recycling box
Glass and small electricals		 Glass bottles and jars, small electricals placed on top/next to the box, household batteries in a clear bag on top, clothing/towels/clean sheets/pairs of shoes in a plastic bag. Light bulbs, glass dishes, broken glass, ceramics, pyrex, large electricals, microwaves, duvets and pillows. Separate batteries clearly. Do not bury small electricals inside mixed recycling.
Grey food bin / kitchen caddy Beans, pasta, rice, bread, bakery items, dairy, eggs, fruit/veg peelings, meat, fish, bones, fast food, tea bags and coffee grounds. Liquids including milk and cooking oil, and food packaging. Food must be bagged, wrapped in newspaper, or placed in a compostable liner/plastic bag.
Brown wheelie bin
Garden waste permit		 Flowers, plants, weeds, grass cuttings, leaves, hedge clippings, twigs and small branches. Animal waste, bedding, plant pots, soil, turf and any other types of waste. Only put out a brown bin with a valid permit sticker clearly visible.
Grey non-recyclable bin Household waste that cannot be recycled. Recyclable items, side bags, garden waste, bulky waste, hazardous items and items that belong at a recycling centre. Do not leave bin bags beside the bin or on the street.
Food waste tip: using the food caddy weekly is more hygienic than putting food in general waste, because food waste collections are weekly and the bins lock.
Individual kerbside collections What goes in each bin Food waste recycling

Communal bins and overflowing bins

Many Edinburgh flats and tenements use communal bins instead of individual kerbside bins. A full communal bin is reported differently from a missed kerbside bin.

Communal bin problem What Edinburgh says Best action
Nearest communal bin is full Use another nearby bin or store waste until it can be emptied. Report the full or overflowing communal household waste bin online.
Bags beside communal bin Do not leave waste beside bins. This can cause litter, pests and enforcement issues.
Mattress or sofa beside bins Do not report this as an overflowing communal bin. It is treated as fly-tipping or needs bulky uplift.
Bin access blocked Parking in front of bins is illegal and can stop trucks emptying bins. Keep access clear and report the correct issue.
Overflowing individual wheelie bin Rubbish beside individual wheelie bins is not collected. Use recycling centres, reduce waste or correct disposal route.
City-centre warning: do not use bins in nearby streets if your street has a different system such as gull proof bags. It causes overflow and can create enforcement problems.
Report overflowing communal bin Recycling in the city centre

Gull proof bags and city-centre boxes

Some World Heritage Site streets use gull proof bags for general waste and red/blue boxes for certain recycling materials.

Gull proof bag rules

  • Use only on the correct collection day.
  • Put the bag out no later than 6.30am.
  • Use ties to fasten it to something solid, such as railings.
  • Keep waste inside a large bin bag; no loose waste beside it.
  • Bring the bag inside after it is emptied.
  • Do not use bins in nearby streets.
  • Wrap sharp objects so they do not protrude.

City-centre box rules

  • Red box: paper, card, cartons, plastic bottles/pots/tubs/trays, cans, tins, foil, empty aerosols and envelopes.
  • Red box no: plastic bags, wrappers, crisp bags, clingfilm, plant pots, toys or glass.
  • Blue box: glass bottles/jars, small electricals, batteries in a clear bag, textiles and paired shoes in a plastic bag.
  • Blue box no: light bulbs, broken glass, ceramics, pyrex, large electricals, duvets or pillows.
Gull proof bag guide City-centre recycling guide

Garden waste: permit, dates and brown bin rules

Garden waste is a paid permit service unless your household qualifies for a free exemption and still registers.

Garden waste point Edinburgh detail User action
Permit cost £45 per permit for one year. Register through mygovscot/myaccount during a registration window.
2025/26 service year 3 November 2025 to 1 November 2026. Check your own brown-bin collection day after registering.
Collection frequency Brown bins are collected once every two weeks. Set separate reminders from household waste/recycling.
Permit sticker Must be clearly visible on the brown bin. Do not cover the new sticker with old permits.
Multiple permits You can order multiple permits. Each permit/bin needs to be valid for collection.
Festive pause No garden waste collection from 15 December 2025 to 11 January 2026. After 11 January, use your next normal brown-bin collection day.
Christmas tree On the first January collection, a Christmas tree can go in the garden waste bin. If over seven feet, chop it in half and remove branches. Do not leave whole oversized trees beside the bin.

Put in brown bin

  • Flowers, plants and weeds.
  • Grass cuttings and leaves.
  • Hedge clippings.
  • Twigs and small branches.
  • Christmas tree pieces in January only, following council instructions.

Do not put in brown bin

  • Animal waste and bedding.
  • Plant pots.
  • Soil or turf.
  • Food waste.
  • Any other non-garden waste.
Garden waste service Search garden waste collections Contact waste service

Bulky waste uplift: large household items

Use bulky uplift for domestic items that are too large for normal collection. Reuse or donate first if items are still in good condition.

£

Charge

£5 for each individual item uplifted.

5

Limit

Up to five items per uplift.

0

Possible free uplift

No charge if you or a household member receive Council Tax reduction.

7ft

Size warning

Items more than seven feet long are not collected.

Booking / uplift rule Edinburgh detail User action
Domestic only Commercial waste is not accepted. Use a licensed specialist or commercial waste route for business waste.
Two-person lift Items should be liftable by two people. Large items may need breaking down, but each piece can count separately.
Put out time All items must be on the pavement in front of your property by 7am on collection day. Do not put items out at another time.
Only booked items The council collects only the items specified when booking. Do not add extra items later unless booking allows changes.
Glass items Tape glass items such as doors and shelves. Make sharp edges safe before collection.
Assisted bulky uplift If all household members cannot put items out due to disability or medical condition, assisted uplift may be requested after booking. Items must be accessible and not on soft surfaces like grass.
Not accepted: garden waste, commercial waste, rubble, building materials, pianos, storage heaters, household wheelie bins, tyres, safes, gas cylinders, asbestos, hazardous waste, oxygen cylinders, car batteries, clinical waste, oil and paint.
Request bulky waste uplift Scotland Re-use Tool

Household waste recycling centres: booking and site rules

Use recycling centres for excess waste, large recycling loads and items that do not belong beside bins.

Recycling centre point Edinburgh detail Best action
Sites Seafield HWRC, Craigmillar HWRC and Sighthill HWRC. Choose the site that accepts your material and is easiest to reach.
Booking Cars, bicycles and vans need appointments for a faster, less crowded experience. Book before driving. Same-day appointments may be available.
Walk/cycle small amounts No booking is needed if coming on foot with small amounts, but pedestrian access is suspended at Craigmillar for safety. Use paths and check site rules first.
Edinburgh residents only Only Edinburgh residents can book/use the sites for household waste. Bring proof if using a van/trailer or helping someone else.
Van/trailer restrictions Van and trailer users have specific time slots and document rules; vans are not allowed at Craigmillar. Do not arrive without booking email and correct ID/proof.
Commercial waste Commercial, trade or business waste is not allowed. Use a licensed business waste route.
Unloading Staff cannot help unload. Bring only what you can safely carry and sort.
Data safety tip: before taking laptops, smart devices or paperwork, remove personal data and shred sensitive paper documents.
Household waste recycling centres Book a recycling centre visit

Assisted bin collection: help putting bins out

Assisted collection is for households where all members cannot put bins out due to a disability or medical condition. It is not for missed collections.

👤

Who it helps

Households where everyone is unable to put bins out because of disability or medical condition.

📝

What to request

Set up a new assisted collection or request help for someone else.

📍

Access matters

Bins must be easily visible and accessible; the council may need to change the collection/return point.

Important: do not use the assisted collection form for a missed collection. Use the missed-bin route instead.
Request assisted bin collection Report missed bin instead

Request bins, recycling boxes or food waste bins

Missing or damaged containers often create “missed bin” and overflow problems. Request the right container before using side bags.

Need Edinburgh route Useful note
Missing/damaged recycling boxes Request bins or recycling boxes online. Box covers can no longer be ordered.
Missing/damaged food waste bins Request a food waste bin or kitchen caddy. Kerbside food bins are not available for communal collection households, but a kitchen caddy can still be ordered.
Green or grey wheelie bins Request replacements if missing or damaged. For a newly built property, contact your builder.
Brown garden bin Order/request through the garden waste/contact route if missing or damaged. Brown bin collection still needs a valid permit sticker.
Request bins or recycling boxes Order food waste caddy/bin info

Edinburgh waste contact routes and call script

Edinburgh Council says online forms are the quickest route for waste and cleansing issues. Use phone only where online forms do not solve the problem or the situation is urgent/critical.

Need Best route Have ready
Collection day Official bin collection days page. Street name, address, and service type.
Missed kerbside bin Missed bin online form. Bin type, collection date, whether it was out 6am–10pm, lid closed, not tagged and not blocked.
Full communal bin Full or overflowing communal bin form. Location, bin type, nearest landmark and whether access is blocked.
Fly-tipping / mattress beside bins Report litter/fly-tipping form. Exact location, item type and photo if available.
General or existing waste enquiry Contact waste form. Case ID if you already submitted a request.
Phone route 0131 200 2000, option 8 then option 1, or 0131 608 1100. Use especially if online forms do not fit or you need waste help by phone.
Email for some waste issues waste@edinburgh.gov.uk or customer.care@edinburgh.gov.uk where the relevant page asks for email contact. Include address, postcode, problem, dates and photos if helpful.

Simple call/email script

Hello, I’m contacting Edinburgh Council about waste collection at [full address/postcode or exact communal bin location]. The service is [grey non-recyclable / green recycling / box / food waste / garden waste / communal bin / gull proof bag / bulky uplift]. The collection date was [date]. It was out from [time] and the issue is [missed / full communal bin / tagged / blocked access / damaged bin / bulky item]. Can you confirm the correct next step?

Edinburgh refuse collection FAQs

How do I check my Edinburgh bin collection day?

Use the City of Edinburgh Council bin collection days page and search for your street or service. Edinburgh has different systems for kerbside bins, communal bins, city-centre recycling boxes, gull proof sacks and garden waste.

What time should I put my kerbside bin out in Edinburgh?

Put kerbside bins and boxes out by 6am on collection day. Return them to your property as soon as possible after collection and do not leave bins on the pavement outside collection days.

When is an Edinburgh bin officially missed?

Edinburgh says a kerbside bin is not classed as missed until after 10pm on the scheduled collection day. The bin should have been out from 6am until 10pm, with the lid closed, on the right day, not tagged and not blocked.

What should I do if Edinburgh missed my bin?

Check current delays first. If no delay or other issue applies, report the missed bin online and leave the bin out. The council says it will come back within two working days.

What goes in Edinburgh’s green recycling bin?

The green wheelie bin is for mixed recycling such as paper, cardboard, drink cartons, clean plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, clean cans, tins, foil, empty aerosols and envelopes. Do not put glass, plastic bags, wrappers, batteries or small electrical items in it.

What goes in Edinburgh’s recycling box?

The recycling box is for glass bottles and jars, small electrical items placed on top or next to the box, household batteries in a clear bag on top, and clothing, towels, clean sheets or paired shoes in a plastic bag.

How does Edinburgh food waste collection work?

Food waste is collected weekly. Food must be bagged in a small plastic bag, compostable liner or wrapped in newspaper before going into the grey kitchen caddy and kerbside food bin or communal food waste bin.

How much is Edinburgh garden waste collection?

Edinburgh garden waste permits cost £45 each for the 2025/2026 service year, which runs from 3 November 2025 to 1 November 2026. Brown bins are collected once every two weeks, and the permit sticker must be clearly visible.

How much is an Edinburgh bulky waste uplift?

Edinburgh charges £5 for each individual bulky item, with up to five items per uplift. The charge does not apply if you or a member of the household receive Council Tax reduction.

Who do I contact about Edinburgh waste and cleansing?

The quickest route is usually the relevant Edinburgh Council online form. For phone support, the council lists 0131 200 2000 option 8 then option 1, or 0131 608 1100, for waste and special uplifts.

Final Edinburgh collection reminder

The safest Edinburgh refuse routine is simple: check your exact street, use the right container for your service type, put kerbside bins out by 6am, wait until after 10pm before reporting a missed kerbside bin, and never leave side waste beside bins.

If the waste does not belong in your normal bin, use the correct route: food caddy, green recycling bin, recycling box, communal-bin report, gull proof bag, garden waste permit, bulky uplift, recycling centre appointment, assisted collection or contact waste form.

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