The BinMate blog

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Plain-English guides to UK bin collections, recycling and never missing bin day.

Bin Colours

What Goes in the Grey Bin?

In most UK councils the grey bin holds general residual waste, but in some areas it holds dry recycling instead. Check your local authority to be sure.

Bin Colours

What Goes in the Black Bin?

The black bin is for non-recyclable waste such as nappies, wet wipes, and polystyrene. Learn what must not go in and what Simpler Recycling 2026 changes.

Bin Colours

What Goes in the Green Bin?

Your green bin could be for recycling, garden waste, or general rubbish depending on your council. Find out which use applies locally and what to avoid.

Find Your Bin Day

How to Set a Bin Day Reminder on Your Phone

Set a recurring bin reminder in iPhone Reminders or Google Calendar. For bank holiday shifts handled automatically, a dedicated app like BinMate is best.

Find Your Bin Day

How to Find Your Bin Day After Moving House

Bin days are tied to your address, not you. Use your new council postcode lookup to find your collection schedule, including what to do on a new build.

Find Your Bin Day

How Often Are Bins Collected in the UK?

General waste is collected fortnightly in most UK areas, recycling fortnightly, and food waste weekly from 2026. Check your council for the exact schedule.

Find Your Bin Day

Weekly vs Fortnightly Bin Collection Explained

Most UK households have fortnightly general waste and alternate-week recycling. Learn what each model means and how 2026 food waste rules affect schedules.

Find Your Bin Day

Why Has My Bin Day Changed?

Bin days change due to route reorganisation, a new contractor, bank holidays, or Simpler Recycling 2026. Here is how to find your updated schedule.

Find Your Bin Day

How to Find Your Bin Collection Calendar Online

Find your bin collection calendar online using your postcode, download a PDF, or subscribe to an ICS feed. Includes changes from Simpler Recycling 2026.

Which Bin?

Can You Recycle Polystyrene in the UK?

Polystyrene is not accepted kerbside and should go in general waste. A few HWRCs take clean EPS blocks — find out what options exist in your area.

Which Bin?

How to Dispose of Light Bulbs in the UK

No light bulb belongs in your kerbside recycling bin. Incandescents go in general waste; CFL bulbs contain mercury and must go to an HWRC or retailer.