Merton Refuse Collection: Bin Days, Missed Bins & Waste

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Merton bins • missed collections • time-banded streets

Merton Bin Help Without Wrong Forms

Check your Merton collection day, put rubbish and recycling out correctly, report a missed collection at the right time, and use the correct route for food waste, garden waste, bulky items or Garth Road.

This guide is built for fast scrolling: exact answer first, mistake warnings next, official link only when it helps you complete the task.

Choose my problem Check bin day Missed collection

Quick answer: Merton normally collects rubbish and recycling only if it is out by 6am, in the correct containers, lids closed, bags not split, and placed at the front edge of your property where crews can see and reach it.

Missed collection rule: report after collections are completed in your area, or after 11:59pm on your scheduled collection day, whichever is sooner. If it was presented correctly and reported within two working days, Merton says it will return within two working days.

Check collection days Report missed collection What goes in each bin

Choose your Merton waste problem

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

Choose one option above to see the best next step.

Collection day and 6am rule

Most Merton missed-collection problems start with timing, container type or placement. Use this before reporting.

User question Merton answer Best action
How do I check my bin day? Use the Merton waste lookup by postcode/property. Check rubbish, recycling, food and garden waste separately.
Can I save the calendar? Yes, you can add dates to your online calendar or download a PDF calendar. Not available for flats with communal bins.
What time should bins go out? By 6am on collection day unless you have time-banded collections. Put them out close to 6am if foxes or pavement space are a problem.
Where should containers go? Front edge of property where crews can see and reach them. Do not place them on the road or pavement unless time-banded rules apply.
Can the lid be open? No. Wheelie bins must not be overfilled; lids must be closed. Use recycling, food waste, Garth Road or bulky collection for overflow.
Can rubbish sit next to the bin? No. Non-recyclable rubbish next to or on top of the bin will not be collected. Do not create side waste.
Local tip: In Merton streets with narrow pavements, shared frontages or flats above shops, the “right place” can matter as much as the right day. Use the lookup to check whether your property is time-banded.
Open Merton waste lookup How to put waste out

What container should I use?

Merton has several setups. Houses with outside space usually have bins/boxes; some flats use communal bins, purple bags, blue-striped bags or clear bags.

Container / bag Use it for Do not use it for Useful detail
Food waste bin Bread, bakery goods, dairy, fruit/veg, tea bags, coffee grounds, peelings, egg shells, bones, rice, pasta, fish and meat. Plastic bags, packaging, liquids, oil/liquid fat and kitchen roll. Line kitchen caddy with compostable liner or newspaper.
Recycling boxes Aerosols, foil, cans/tins, food/drink cartons, glass bottles/jars, plastic/metal lids, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays. Paper and card. Empty and rinse containers, squash plastic bottles, remove film lids.
Blue-topped wheelie bin / clear bags Paper and card: magazines, newspapers, junk mail, catalogues, envelopes, cardboard packaging, egg boxes and toilet/kitchen roll tubes. Disposable paper masks, food-soiled pizza boxes, food/drink cartons, tissue paper and plastic bags. Put shredded paper in a paper envelope or paper bag.
Purple bags / communal recycling bins Mixed recycling including paper/card, glass, cans, cartons, plastic bottles, tubs and trays. Tissue paper, food waste, black sacks and contaminated recycling. Used where no outside bin space or communal provision applies.
Blue-striped bags Recycling such as aerosols, foil, cans, cartons, glass, lids, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays. Paper and card. For some homes with no shared bins and no outside storage.
Black-topped bin / black bags / red bags Non-recyclable household waste. DIY waste, clinical waste, garden waste, hazardous waste, paint tins, commercial waste, cooking oil and electrical appliances. If you use bags, tie them securely.
Brown garden bin / sacks Paid garden waste: grass, leaves, hedge trimmings, prunings, twigs, weeds, plants, small branches/bark, fallen fruit and cut flowers. Branches over 22cm diameter, Japanese knotweed, pots, trays, rubble, soil, animal bedding, food waste, plastic or compostable bags. Only Merton garden bins/sacks are accepted.
Official container sorting guide What containers you should have

Missed collection decision tree

Merton will not return if waste was presented incorrectly or if the collection day was more than two days ago.

Is it still before your area has been completed?
Wait. You can report after collections are completed, or after 11:59pm on collection day, whichever is sooner.
Was it the correct scheduled day?
No → check the waste lookup first. Do not report the wrong day as a missed collection.
Was it out by 6am?
No → it may not be treated as missed because collection times can change due to roadworks or bad weather.
Was it in the correct container?
No → remove the wrong items and use the correct container next time.
Was the lid closed / bags secure?
No → overfilled bins or split bags can be left uncollected.
Reported within two working days?
Yes → leave the container at the front edge of your property; Merton says it will return within two working days if it was presented correctly.
Important: If you move the container back in after reporting, it may not be collected and you may need to wait for the next scheduled collection day.
Official missed collection page Merton waste forms

Time-banded collections: flats above shops and busy streets

Some homes, especially flats above shops or entrances on high-footfall streets, can only put waste out during set times.

Rule Merton detail What to do
Collection days Time-banded properties have two collection days each week. Use the Merton checker to confirm your days.
Put-out window Only between 6pm and 8pm on collection days. Do not put bags out early.
Collection time Crews collect from 8pm. Place bags immediately against your premises.
General rubbish limit No more than one general rubbish bag per collection day. Reduce black-bag waste by using purple recycling bags properly.
Recycling Put recycling in purple bags. You can put out as many purple recycling bags as needed.
Penalty risk Merton says you may get a PCN if waste is put out at the wrong time. Use phone reminders for the 6pm–8pm window.
Local tip: If you live on a busy shopping parade, time-banded rules are not optional. Early bags can attract foxes, block footways and create enforcement risk.
Official time-banded rules

Food waste bin: quick sorting guide

Using the food waste bin properly is one of the easiest ways to keep black-bin rubbish low and avoid smells.

Put in food waste

  • Bread and bakery goods.
  • Dairy products.
  • Fruit, vegetables and peelings.
  • Tea bags and coffee grounds.
  • Egg shells and bones.
  • Rice, pasta, fish and meat.

Keep out

  • Plastic bags.
  • Packaging.
  • Liquids.
  • Oil or liquid fat.
  • Kitchen roll.
  • General rubbish.
Fox tip: Merton suggests locking the food bin handle, wedging it against a wall/fence, or placing a heavy item on top if foxes try to open it.

Recycling: boxes, blue tops, clear bags and purple bags

Merton separates paper/card from mixed containers for many households. Sorting correctly prevents rejected recycling.

Item Correct route Micro-rule
Aerosols, foil, cans, tins, cartons, glass bottles/jars, plastic bottles/pots/tubs/trays Recycling boxes. Empty and rinse all containers; squash plastic bottles; remove film lids.
Paper and card Blue-topped wheelie bin or clear bags. Tear up/flatten large boxes; no food-soiled pizza boxes.
Shredded paper Paper envelope or paper bag inside paper/card stream. This stops it clogging sorting machines.
Mixed recycling for some flats/no outside space Purple bags or communal recycling bins. Paper/card and container recycling can go together in this setup.
Blue-striped bag properties Blue-striped bag for container recycling. No paper or card in blue-striped bags.
Textiles, shoes, batteries Use current official routes such as Garth Road, pop-up tips, Recycle Your Electricals or listed recycling points. Merton notes these are no longer collected with household waste on the missed collection page.
Common mistake: Paper and card do not go in Merton recycling boxes. Use the blue-topped wheelie bin, clear bags, purple bags or the setup given to your property.

Black-topped bin, black bags or red bags

This is only for non-recyclable household waste. It is not for DIY, clinical, garden, hazardous, paint or electrical waste.

Use for

  • Non-recyclable household waste.
  • Securely tied black sacks where your property uses bags.
  • Waste that cannot go in food waste or recycling.

Do not use for

  • Building or DIY waste.
  • Clinical waste such as syringes, dressings and pads.
  • Garden waste.
  • Hazardous waste, paints, chemicals, oils, asbestos or tyres.
  • Electrical appliances and fluorescent tubes.
  • Commercial waste.
Overflow fix: Before asking for a larger rubbish bin, use food waste and recycling fully. Merton says households should have enough space if recycling and food waste services are used properly.

Garden waste service: cost, bins, sacks and missed collections

Garden waste is paid and separate. Do not put it in household rubbish because Merton says it will not be collected.

Garden waste point Merton detail Best action
Annual charge £99 per bin hired or pack of 25 sacks. Check the current checkout price before paying.
Delivery charge £19 for each new garden bin delivered. Applies to new/additional bins.
Container options 140L or 240L wheelie bins, or packs of 25 sacks of 75L each. Sacks are for properties unsuitable for wheelie bins.
Service start One-year subscription starts when you receive the container. Service begins on the first collection day after delivery.
Collection frequency Fortnightly throughout the year, with changes over Christmas/New Year. Use your garden waste collection calendar.
Sharing Sharing is allowed, but membership is tied to the paying property. Containers must be presented outside that property.
Missed garden waste Report within 48 hours if it was presented correctly. Leave the bin/sacks out after reporting.

Accepted garden waste

  • Grass cuttings.
  • Leaves and hedge trimmings.
  • Prunings, twigs and weeds.
  • Plants and cut flowers.
  • Small branches or bark.
  • Fallen fruit.

Not accepted

  • Branches over 22cm diameter.
  • Japanese knotweed.
  • Flower pots or trays.
  • Hardcore, grit, bricks, rubble, stones or soil.
  • Wire, string, plastic or metal.
  • Animal bedding, food waste, plastic bags or compostable bags.
Sign up for garden waste Garden waste terms

Bulky waste collection: free collection, prices and rules

From 1 June 2026, every Merton household can book one free bulky waste collection of up to three items each year.

Bulky waste rule Merton detail Practical action
Free annual collection One free collection per household per year, up to three items. Use it for the most awkward items, not easy charity/reuse items.
Booking window Book up to 60 days in advance; weekday slots only, excluding public holidays. Book early because slots are first come, first served.
Council Tax condition You must be up to date with Council Tax payments. Check before relying on the service.
Upholstered + non-upholstered mix May be collected in two stages, up to two working days apart. Do not assume everything will go on the same lorry.
Further paid collection Up to 3 items: £39.75. 4 to 6 items: £66.00. Paid bookings open from October 2026 according to Merton’s page.
Put-out rule Items outside but within your property boundary by 6am. Do not put items on public pavement or road.
Refunds/changes Free bookings are final and cannot be changed. No refunds for cancelled collections or removed items. Only book when your item list is final.

Merton can collect

  • Large electrical appliances such as oven, fridge, freezer or dishwasher.
  • Televisions and computer monitors.
  • Bag of small electrical items.
  • Furniture such as bed, sofa, armchair or freestanding wardrobe.
  • Carpet and underlay cut into small, manageable lengths.
  • Bagged household waste.

Merton cannot collect

  • Garden waste, soil, turf, rubble, hardcore or bricks.
  • Plasterboard, roofing materials, tiles or paving slabs.
  • Bath, toilet, basin, kitchen units or built-in wardrobes.
  • Shed/fence panels, laminate flooring, timber, MDF or hardboard.
  • Paint, tyres, gas canisters, large glass sheets or asbestos.
  • DIY, construction, demolition or hazardous waste.
Preparation tip: Cover sofas, mattresses and soft furnishings with plastic to keep them dry. Loose materials must be tied or bagged and not too heavy for one person to lift safely.
Official bulky waste collection Book via Merton waste service

New bins, missing bins and larger rubbish bins

Some containers are free, but black-lidded refuse bins and garden waste bins normally have a delivery charge.

Need Merton detail What to do
Standard refuse bin 180L black-lidded wheelie bin; £19 delivery charge normally applies. Request if missing/damaged; waste may not be collected from unsafe damaged bins.
Paper/card bin 180L blue-lidded wheelie bin. No charge listed for this container type.
Mixed recycling box 55L green box. No charge listed.
Food waste containers 7L indoor caddy and 23L outdoor brown food bin. No charge listed for containers; liners can be bought from Merton libraries at £2.75 for 25.
Larger rubbish bin 240L or larger bin may be available if household has 5+ people or produces more non-recyclable waste due to medical condition. Merton may check recycling use and may visit before approving.
Larger bin cost £19 delivery charge per bin. Use food waste and recycling properly before applying.
Crew lost/damaged bin Merton usually delivers replacement automatically within three working days if collection crew lost/damaged it. If more than three working days, email evidence to collections@merton.gov.uk.
Large block communal bins Merton does not supply communal bins. Managing agent/landlord must buy or hire privately via Veolia contact route.
Container-care tip: Merton says containers remain Council property. Label them clearly, put them out close to 6am, bring them back soon after collection, and check nearby properties if one goes missing.
Get a new bin, box or bags Request larger rubbish bin collections@merton.gov.uk

Garth Road Household Reuse and Recycling Centre

Garth Road in Morden is useful when waste does not belong in your household bins, but cars need a booking.

Garth Road point Merton detail Before you go
Who can use it? Merton residents. Bring recent Council Tax statement or driving licence as proof of address.
Car visits without trailer Booking required. Book 1 hour to 13 days in advance if slots are available.
No online booking? Call 020 8274 4902. Use if you cannot book online.
Walking or cycling No booking needed. Staff check address proof at the gate; pedestrians cannot enter the main site.
Opening times 8am to 4pm seven days a week, including bank holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Holiday exceptions Christmas Eve 8am–midday; closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Check before a festive visit.
Vans/trailers/large vehicles Separate booking rules apply. Vans can bring up to 250kg over six months and access up to 12 times a year.
DIY limits Hardcore, rubble and soil accepted in small quantities: up to six 80L bags per vehicle every six months. Separate materials before leaving home to reduce queues.
Official Garth Road guide Book a visit

Flats, landlords and communal bins

Merton properties can have very different systems. A flat above a shop, a flat with communal bins and a house with outside space may all need different bags or bins.

Property type Merton detail Practical action
House with outside space Usually needs indoor/outdoor food caddies, recycling boxes, blue-lidded paper/card bin and black-lidded rubbish bin. Request missing/damaged containers only.
Flat with communal bins May need an indoor food caddy if communal food waste bin exists. Managing agent/landlord handles communal bin provision.
Flat above shop Usually purple bags for recycling and black sacks for rubbish. Check time-banded rules.
Flat with no shared bins and no outside space May use blue-striped bags and clear bags for recycling, red-striped bags for rubbish. Reorder bags online if you run out.
Landlord / managing agent Merton recommends giving tenants what goes in each container, collection calendar and where/when to put bins. Include bins in tenancy inventory to avoid disputes.
New tenants Waste info should be given early in the tenancy. Do it after move-in chaos but before first collection is missed.
Landlord tip: A printed bin guide in the kitchen or hallway can stop repeated contamination, overflowing bin stores and missed communal collections.
What each property should have Landlord recycling guidance

Contact script and useful numbers

Use the online waste service first when possible. Call when you need assisted collection, Garth Road booking help, bulky-booking changes or an unusual bin problem.

Need Contact / route Have ready
Waste lookup, missed bin, new bins, garden subscription, bulky booking Merton waste service Postcode, address, container type and collection date.
Assisted collection, Garth Road booking help, bulky paid booking changes 020 8274 4902 Address, service needed and any booking/reference number.
Clinical waste / larger bin medical evidence clinical.wastedepartment@merton.gov.uk Recent GP or hospital letter if requested.
Crew lost or damaged your refuse/garden bin collections@merton.gov.uk Photos/video evidence and date of collection.
Communal bin provision for large flats Veolia communal bins mailbox Managing agent/landlord details and block address.

Simple call/email script

Hello, I’m contacting you about waste collection at [full address and postcode]. The container is [food waste / recycling box / blue-topped bin / black-topped bin / garden waste / bulky item]. It was due on [date]. It was out by [6am / time-banded window] at [front edge of property / agreed point], with the correct waste inside. Can you confirm the correct next step?

Merton Refuse Collection FAQs

How do I check my Merton bin collection day?

Use Merton Council’s waste lookup service. Enter your postcode, select your property and check your rubbish, recycling and garden waste dates. You can also add dates to your online calendar or download a printable calendar, except for flats with communal bins.

What time should I put my rubbish and recycling out in Merton?

For normal collections, put rubbish and recycling out by 6am on collection day at the front edge of your property where crews can see and reach it. Time-banded properties have different 6pm to 8pm rules.

How do I report a missed collection in Merton?

Report after collections are completed in your area, or after 11:59pm on your scheduled collection day, whichever is sooner. Report no later than two working days after collection day and leave the container out after reporting.

Will Merton return for a missed bin?

Merton says it will return within two working days if the rubbish or recycling was presented correctly and at the right time, and the missed collection is reported no later than two working days after your collection day.

What goes in Merton recycling boxes?

Merton recycling boxes are for items such as aerosols, aluminium foil, cans and tins, food and drink cartons, glass bottles and jars, lids, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays. Paper and card usually go in a blue-topped wheelie bin or clear bags.

What goes in Merton food waste bins?

Food waste bins can take bread, bakery goods, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds, peelings, egg shells, bones, rice, pasta, fish and meat. Do not put in plastic bags, packaging, liquids, oil or kitchen roll.

How much is Merton garden waste collection?

Merton lists the annual garden waste charge at £99 per bin hired or pack of 25 sacks. There is also a £19 delivery charge for each new garden waste bin delivered.

Does Merton offer free bulky waste collection?

Yes. From 1 June 2026, every Merton household can book one free bulky waste collection of up to three items each year. Extra paid collections and larger bookings have separate charges.

Do I need to book Garth Road recycling centre?

You need to book before visiting Garth Road by car without a trailer. You can book 1 hour to 13 days in advance if slots are available. Walking or cycling visits do not need booking, but proof of Merton address is required.

What are time-banded collections in Merton?

Time-banded collections apply to some flats above shops or streets with high footfall. You must put bags out only between 6pm and 8pm on collection days, use purple bags for recycling, and put out no more than one general rubbish bag per collection day.

Final practical advice

For Merton refuse collection, the best routine is simple: check your exact address, use the right container, put it out by 6am, keep lids closed, avoid side waste, and report missed collections only within the official window.

If the waste does not belong in normal bins, choose the correct route: garden waste subscription, bulky collection, Garth Road booking, pop-up tip, clinical waste, hazardous waste, new-bin request or landlord/communal-bin support.

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