Ceredigion Bin Help Without Guesswork
Need your Ceredigion collection day, missed-bin answer, black bag limit, clear recycling bag rules, garden waste booking or bulky waste cost? This guide gives the exact action first.
No long reading needed. Choose the problem, check the rule, then use the official Ceredigion County Council link only when it is the right time to click.
Quick answer: Ceredigion waste should be presented on the morning of collection before 8am. The service usually runs between 8am and 4pm, but crews may sometimes work outside those hours. Do not report a missed bin until the day after your scheduled collection.
Most important rule: from 23 June 2025, most properties can present a maximum of 3 standard 60-litre black bags every 3 weeks. Use clear recycling bags, weekly food waste and the glass box properly so black bags stay within the limit.
Choose your Ceredigion waste problem
Tap one option. This gives the right next step before you open a form or call the Council.
Collection day and missed-bin timing
This is the first thing to get right: date, time, place and reporting window.
| Question | Ceredigion answer | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| How do I check my collection day? | Use Ceredigion’s official Postcode Search on the collection dates page. | Check black bag, clear bag, food waste, glass box, AHP and garden waste separately where relevant. |
| When should waste go out? | On the morning of collection before 8am. | Put it at the kerbside or agreed collection point early enough for an 8am start. |
| What time do crews collect? | Usually between 8am and 4pm, but sometimes outside these hours. | Do not assume it is missed at lunchtime or exactly at 4pm. |
| When should I report missed waste? | The Council says not to report a missed bin until the day after your scheduled collection. | First check Waste Collection Service Updates for route delays. |
| What if I miss my own collection? | You may need to re-present on the next scheduled collection day. | For urgent excess, use a Household Waste Site, but sort it first. |
What goes in each Ceredigion container
Ceredigion’s system is simple once you separate the streams correctly: clear bag, food caddy, glass box, garden waste bag, AHP bag and black bag.
| Container | Use it for | Do not use it for | Quick rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear recycling bag Every week |
Paper, cardboard, food/drink cartons, tins, cans, aerosols, aluminium foil, plastic bottles, tubs, trays, pots, polystyrene, bags and film. | Glass bottles/jars, crisp packets, chocolate wrappers, wallpaper, greaseproof paper, tissues, textiles, nappies, electrical items, food waste and garden waste. | Put dry recyclables loose in the bag. Do not put separately bagged items inside. |
| Food waste caddy Every week |
Cooked/uncooked food, plate leftovers, outdated food, bread, dairy, fish, meat, bones, tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit/veg and egg shells. | Packaging, garden waste, non-food rubbish and unapproved plastic bags. | Use Council liners in the 7L kitchen caddy, tie the liner, then place it in the 23L outdoor caddy. |
| Glass recycling box Every 3 weeks |
Empty glass bottles and jars of any colour, including food jars, drink bottles, perfume bottles and medicine bottles. | Pyrex, drinking glasses, spectacles, window glass, ornaments, chopping boards and light bulbs. | Rinse bottles/jars. Do not fill above the rim. |
| Green garden waste bag | Paid garden waste in official Council green garden waste bags. | Overfilled bags, bags above 20kg, or non-official garden sacks. | Buy official bags first, then book collection online or by phone. |
| AHP bags | Disposable nappies, training pants, swim pants, nappy changing waste and accepted incontinence products. | Sanitary waste, infectious clinical waste, needles, animal waste, plaster casts, medical dressings and soiled blankets/clothing. | Register first. Initial bags/information pack may take up to 3 weeks. |
| Black bag Residual waste |
Cooled ash, cotton buds, tablet strips, crisp packets, pet food pouches, chocolate wrappers, sanitary waste, vacuum contents and wipes. | Food waste, garden waste, glass and recyclable material. | Most properties: maximum 3 standard 60L black bags every 3 weeks, each under 20kg. |
Black bag limit and residual waste
Ceredigion’s black bag restrictions are designed to push recyclable and food waste into the correct weekly services.
Bag limit
Most homes can present up to 3 black bags every 3-week collection cycle.
Bag size
Use standard household black bags of 60 litres, no larger than the clear recycling bags.
Weight limit
Each black bag should not weigh more than 20kg.
Excess left
Excess black bags may be left behind if the restriction applies to your property.
Missed collection decision tree
The biggest mistake is reporting too early. Ceredigion says the service usually runs 8am–4pm, but it may run outside those hours.
Clear recycling bag mistakes and fixes
Clear bags are weekly and high-capacity, but they work only if dry recycling is loose and the wrong items stay out.
Keep items loose
Do not put separately bagged items into the clear recycling bag. Loose sorting helps the recycling facility process the load.
Wash packaging
Wash items used for food or drink before placing them in the clear bag.
Keep glass out
Glass bottles and jars go in the glass recycling box, not the clear bag.
| Common item | Ceredigion route | Quick note |
|---|---|---|
| Aerosol cans | Clear recycling bag | Separate the lid from the can. |
| Large flat cardboard | Next to clear bag or Household Waste Site | Flatten it first. |
| Plastic bags and film | Clear recycling bag | This is accepted in Ceredigion, unlike some councils. |
| Crisp packets and chocolate wrappers | Black bag | Do not put these in the clear bag. |
| Textiles | Textile bank or Household Waste Site | Do not put textiles in the clear bag. |
| Electrical items | Household Waste Site or correct WEEE route | Do not put electricals in clear bags or black bags if avoidable. |
Weekly food waste: the easiest way to reduce black bags
Food waste is collected weekly and is the main way to keep your black bags within the 3-bag limit.
Line the 7L kitchen caddy
Use the liners provided by the Council. Do not use other plastic bags.
Add food waste only
Cooked or uncooked food, leftovers, dairy, fish, meat, bones, tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit, vegetables and eggshells are accepted.
Tie the liner
You do not need to wait until the caddy is full. Tie the liner when ready.
Place it in the 23L outdoor caddy
Use the lockable outdoor caddy and put it out on your waste collection day.
Glass recycling box: every 3 weeks
Glass is collected separately because wrong glass can contaminate the whole load.
Accepted glass
- Glass drink bottles such as wine or beer bottles.
- Food jars such as cooking sauce, jam and condiment jars.
- Glass perfume bottles.
- Glass medicine bottles.
- Any colour, shape or size of empty bottle/jar.
Not accepted in the glass box
- Pyrex containers.
- Drinking glasses.
- Spectacles.
- Window pane glass.
- Glass ornaments, chopping boards and light bulbs.
Garden waste collection: £2.30 official bags
Ceredigion garden waste is not a free loose kerbside service. You need official Council green garden waste bags and you must request collection.
| Garden waste point | Ceredigion detail | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Service availability | Fortnightly garden waste service, now running all year round. | Check collection date when booking. |
| Cost | £2.30 per official garden waste bag. | Buy official Council-logo bags first. |
| Where to buy bags | Council libraries at Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, Cardigan, Lampeter and Llandysul. | Use the nearest listed library before cutting back garden waste. |
| Booking | Request collection online or call 01545 570881. | Give name, address, phone number and approximate number of bags. |
| Set-out time | Place bags at kerbside by 8am on the collection date. | Do not leave loose branches or unofficial bags. |
| Weight | Bags should not be overfilled or heavier than 20kg. | Split heavy soil-like or wet material; garden bags are not for soil/rubble. |
Bulky household waste: reuse first, Council collection last
Ceredigion’s bulky waste page strongly encourages reuse before paid disposal. If usable, try CRAFT in Aberystwyth or New Life Community Projects in Cardigan first.
Reuse first
Donate, sell, give to family/friends, or use local reuse organisations if the item is still usable.
Tier One
£67.50 for up to 6 portable household items; £67.50 for each further 6.
Amend deadline
Change item list up to 2:30pm the day before collection, or Friday 2:30pm for Monday collection.
Not business
Bulky collection is not for landlords or businesses.
| Bulky option | Examples / rule | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Reuse organisations | CRAFT in Aberystwyth offers free collection for usable furniture/items; New Life Community Projects in Cardigan also offers free collection. | Try reuse before paying for disposal. |
| Tier One bulky collection | Sofas, chairs, fridges, freezers, cookers, carpets, curtains, TVs, video recorders, beds and wardrobes. | Call 01545 570881 to book. |
| Tier Two bulky collection | Household fixtures/fittings and outside furniture, such as bathroom suites, kitchen units, doors, windows, storage heaters, sheds and greenhouses. | Price is available on application. |
| Presentation | Items must be outside the property. Crews will not enter your property. | Place items safely and accessibly before collection. |
Household Waste Sites: sort before you go
Ceredigion no longer accepts unsorted black bags at Household Waste Sites. If you take black-bag type waste, you may be directed to sort it on site.
| Site | Address | Opening pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Aberystwyth | Glanyrafon Industrial Estate, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth SY23 3JQ. | Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00; Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays 10:00–15:00; closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. |
| Cardigan | Cilmaenllwyd, Penparc, Cardigan SA43 1RB. | Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00; Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays 10:00–15:00; closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. |
| Lampeter | Industrial Estate, Tregaron Road, Lampeter SA48 8LT. | Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00; Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays 10:00–15:00; closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. |
| Llanarth | Rhydeinon, Llanarth SA47 0QP. | Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays 10:00–17:00; closed Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. |
Before visiting
- Sort recyclables at home before loading the car.
- Take proof of Ceredigion residency, such as driving licence or utility bill.
- Separate household waste from commercial/trade waste.
- Follow site staff instructions.
- Check if your vehicle needs a Day Permit.
Restricted waste examples
- Asbestos: limit of 2 sheets or equivalent per annum, with specific requirements.
- DIY soil/rubble/builders waste: 5 rubble/builders sacks per annum, max 20kg each.
- Plasterboard: 2 sheets per annum.
- Household fixtures/fittings: restricted to one item.
- House clearance waste: contact the Council for advice.
Vehicle Day Permit: check before loading a van
Not every vehicle can enter a Household Waste Site without a permit. Some vehicles are not allowed at all.
| Vehicle type | Permit rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Private car, estate car, pick-up/4×4, small domestic trailer 8ft x 4ft or smaller | No permit needed if carrying household waste. | Still take proof of address and sort waste first. |
| Small van such as Partner, Kangoo, Caddy or Transit Connect | No permit needed if privately owned and carrying household waste. | Check if your vehicle fits the Council’s small-van wording. |
| Medium van, minibus, commercial/signwritten vehicle, hire van in listed categories | Permit needed. | Request at least one full working day’s notice. |
| Lorry, flatbed, Luton box van, tipper, tractor, horse box, agricultural vehicle | Not allowed on site. | Arrange alternative disposal. |
| Day Permit limit | Single visit only; no more than one permit per month per individual/household. | Have vehicle make/model/registration, waste type/quantity and planned date ready. |
AHP and assisted collections
These services solve two different problems: hygiene waste and physical difficulty moving containers.
Absorbent Hygiene Products collection
- Accepted: disposable nappies, training pants, pull-ups and swim pants.
- Accepted: wet wipes, nappy sacks and cotton wool from nappy changing.
- Accepted: incontinence pads, pants, pouches, empty catheters, stoma/colostomy bags and disposable bed/chair pads.
- Register first; if successful, the information pack and AHP bags can take up to 3 weeks.
- AHP bags must be tied securely and presented at the kerbside or agreed point.
Assisted collection
- Crews collect containers from a specified point on your property and return them.
- Crews cannot enter buildings such as garages or sheds.
- Gates must be unlocked and obstructions cleared on collection day.
- Not provided only because of a long driveway or absence from the property.
- Use it for real access/mobility needs, not missed-bin disputes.
Extra local tips that prevent problems
These are the small Ceredigion-specific habits that save the most time.
Use the glass box often
Do not wait until it is full. Heavy overfilled glass boxes are dangerous and may break.
Rural access matters
On narrow rural routes, keep bags/boxes visible but safe. Blocked access may affect the whole route.
Use yellow stickers
Yellow stickers are the quick way to request more clear recycling bags and food waste liners on collection day.
No unsorted site visits
Household Waste Sites have a no-unsorted-waste policy. Sort before you leave home.
Christmas waste
Glittery or shiny wrapping paper may not recycle. Real trees can use HWS or garden waste booking.
Reuse bulky items
CRAFT and New Life may collect usable items free, which can be better than paid bulky disposal.
Phone script and official links
Use this when calling the Council or choosing the exact official page.
| Need | Official route | Have ready |
|---|---|---|
| General waste, missed collection, garden waste, bulky waste, replacement containers | 01545 570881 | Name, address, phone number, collection date, container type and number of bags/items. |
| Garden waste booking | Garden waste page, online form or phone. | Number of official green garden waste bags and preferred contact number. |
| Bulky waste booking | Phone the Contact Centre. | Exact list of items, tier type, outside collection point and whether items are reusable. |
| AHP collection | AHP application route. | Type of hygiene product, household details and whether the waste meets AHP criteria. |
| Day Permit | Contact the Council before visiting. | Vehicle type, registration, date of visit, waste type and quantity. |
Simple phone script
Hello, I’m calling about waste collection at [full address and postcode]. The waste stream is [black bag / clear recycling / food waste / glass box / garden waste / AHP / bulky]. The scheduled date was [date]. It was presented before 8am at [kerbside/agreed point]. Can you confirm the correct next step?
Residual waste
Use this for 3-bag restrictions and excess black bag rules.
Black bag rulesHousehold Waste Sites
Use this for site addresses, hours, no-unsorted-waste rules and permits.
HWS rulesCeredigion Refuse Collection FAQs
How do I check my Ceredigion bin collection day?
Use Ceredigion County Council’s official Recycling & Bin Collection Dates page and the Postcode Search. Check each waste stream because black bags, clear recycling, food waste, glass and other collections may not all follow the same pattern.
What time should I put waste out in Ceredigion?
Present waste on the morning of collection before 8am. The waste collection service is usually provided between 8am and 4pm, although crews may sometimes work outside these hours.
When should I report a missed bin in Ceredigion?
Do not report a missed bin until the day after your scheduled collection. First check the Waste Collection Service Updates page because access issues, staff, vehicles or weather can delay whole routes.
How many black bags can I put out in Ceredigion?
From 23 June 2025, most properties can put out a maximum of 3 standard 60-litre black bags every 3-week collection cycle. Bags should not weigh more than 20kg.
What goes in the clear recycling bag in Ceredigion?
The clear recycling bag is for loose dry recycling such as paper, cardboard, cartons, tins, cans, aerosols, foil, plastic bottles, tubs, trays, pots, polystyrene, bags and film. Glass, food waste, garden waste, nappies and electrical items should not go in the clear bag.
What goes in the Ceredigion food waste caddy?
All unpackaged cooked or uncooked food waste can go in the food waste caddy, including leftovers, outdated food, bread, dairy, fish, meat, bones, tea bags, coffee grounds, fruit, vegetables and eggshells. Use the Council-approved liners.
How often is the glass box collected in Ceredigion?
The glass recycling box is collected every 3 weeks. Put out empty bottles and jars, rinse them first, and do not fill the box above the rim.
How much is Ceredigion garden waste collection?
Ceredigion garden waste collection uses official Council green garden waste bags costing £2.30 per bag. You must buy the bags first, fill them without overloading, then book collection online or call 01545 570881.
How much is bulky waste collection in Ceredigion?
Tier One bulky household collection costs £67.50 for up to 6 items, and £67.50 for each further 6 items. Tier Two items such as fixtures, fittings and outside furniture are priced on application.
Do I need proof of address at Ceredigion Household Waste Sites?
Yes. Ceredigion advises residents to take proof of residency, such as a driving licence or utility bill, when visiting Household Waste Sites. Sites also have a no-unsorted-waste policy.
Final practical advice
For Ceredigion refuse collection, the fastest routine is simple: check your collection date, put waste out before 8am, use the clear bag weekly, use the food caddy weekly, put glass in the glass box, and keep black bags within the 3-bag limit.
If the problem does not fit normal kerbside collection, use the right official route: AHP registration, assisted collection, £2.30 garden waste bags, £67.50 Tier One bulky collection, Household Waste Sites, Day Permit rules or the Council Contact Centre on 01545 570881.