Additional support with your recycling and waste collections
A key part of our ambition for a more sustainable Sandwell, is to increase recycling rates and drive down the amount of waste we put into our grey bins. We do understand, however, that some households, such as larger families or those with medical needs, generate more waste than others and we are here to help.
A bigger non-recycling (grey) bin
The standard bin size in Sandwell is 180 litres. You may be eligible for a larger 240 litre non-recycling (grey) bin if:
- You are a household with 6 or more in the family
- You have medical needs / incontinence
You can apply for a bigger non-recycling (grey) bin or by calling 0121 368 1177. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility.
Help with nappies
You can significantly reduce your waste, and save money, if you opt for reusable nappies. For more information and advice visit Nappy Alliance or New Baby Network.
If you are using disposable nappies, you may be eligible for a supply of purple bags to give you additional capacity to dispose of nappy waste if you have children in the family who are aged 3 or under.
You can apply for the purple bag collection online or by calling 0121 368 1177. One purple bag should be put out alongside your non-recycling (grey) bin every two weeks. You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility.
An additional recycling (blue) bag or a larger recycling (blue lid) bin
All households are provided with one recycling (blue) bag and a 240 litre recycling (blue lid) bin as standard.
If you regularly have extra recycling, you can order additional recycling (blue) bags or a larger 360 litre recycling (blue lid) bin.
You can also place large pieces of cardboard next to your recycling (blue) bag for the crews to collect (please remove any tape, polystyrene or plastic).
If your excess recycling is mainly paper, cardboard and cartons, you can apply for an additional recycling (blue) bag by calling 0121 368 1177, after 15 September.
If your excess recycling is mainly glass, cans and plastic, you can apply for a larger recycling (blue lid) bin or by calling 0121 368 1177.
Complex or special needs
For some households, the additional support above will not meet more individual or complex needs. In these cases, we have a team of Recycling Support Officers who will call or visit you to discuss a more bespoke arrangement. To contact one of our Recycling Officers call 0121 368 1177.
NB: Eligibility for any of the additional support above is based on residents using the recycling service correctly and will be subject to ongoing monitoring and regular review.
Assisted collections
If you have difficulty moving bins or bags due to age, disability, or health conditions, you may be eligible for an assisted waste collection service. Assisted collection will be given provided there are no members of the same household, who are able to present the bins or bags on the edge of property for collection.
Our team will collect your bins and bags from an agreed location and return them after emptying.
Request an assisted collection or call 0121 368 1177.
Disposing of large household items
We provide a bulky waste collection service for Sandwell residents who have large household items such as furniture, fridges, freezers and other things that won't fit in your bin. Find out more information, including costs and how to book or call 0121 368 1177.
Each household with someone over 60 is entitled to one free collection of bulky waste up to four items or one fridge/freezer in any twelve-month period. Fees will apply for second and subsequent collections.
Clinical Waste
Sandwell provides a free clinical waste collection service for residents who need to safely dispose of items like:
- Soiled surgical swabs or dressings
- Syringes and needles (sharps) - if supplied by your healthcare provider. You should purchase a sharps bin from your pharmacy or online to dispose of weight loss syringes, pens and needles that have been purchased privately.
- Waste from infectious diseases (as advised by a healthcare provider
NB: Nappies, incontinence pads, and sanitary products are not considered clinical waste and should go in your non recycling (grey) bin.
You can book a clinical waste collection by emailing Serco at sandwellclinicalwaste@serco.com or calling 0121 569 6886.
You can find full details on Sandwell Council’s clinical waste page