Bin requests
Bin requests made simple
Residents can request a range of bin services online or by phone.
This includes:
- replacement bins if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- additional bins if your household produces more waste or recycling than a standard set can handle
- new bins for newly built properties.
- shared arrangements for communal properties such as flats or HMOs.
- reporting bins that appear abandoned in public areas.
The quickest and easiest way to request a bin is online.
Alternatively, call us on 01332 640000.
Top tip: Always label your bins with your property number and/or name. If a bin is missing, check with neighbours before requesting a replacement - bins without numbers can sometimes be returned to the wrong property.
Replacement bins
- Black bins: If your black bin is lost or damaged, there is a £25.75 charge for administration and delivery. However, if you are currently using a small 140 L bin, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to the standard size.
- Blue and brown bins: Replacements are provided free of charge.
- Moving in: If you just moved into a property with no black bin, you must order one (standard charge applies). If you purchased the house order direct here, if you are renting the house, you should speak to your landlord about reimbursement.
Additional bins
Extra bins are available in some circumstances:
- Dry recycling: additional blue bins are available on request. Alternatively, extra dry recycling bags can be left alongside your blue bin.
- Garden waste: additional brown bins are available on request, as no extra garden waste is accepted on the side.
- Food waste: additional green containers for food waste are available on request, as no extra food waste is accepted on the side.
- Black bins: only issued where there is a clear need, for example:
- Households with five or more residents
- Homes with two or more children in nappies
- Healthcare-related waste: if you need additional capacity, your healthcare professional will need to complete a clinical waste assessment form. More information is available on our clinical waste page.
Before approving extra black bins, a waste minimisation officer will visit to confirm that recycling and waste reduction options are being used effectively.
If you move house within the city, you may take your additional black bin with you, but you must inform the Council so collections can be updated.
Newly built homes
All new-build properties are automatically provided with a set of three bins - black (general waste), blue (recycling), and brown (garden and food waste until March 2026). These bins are provided free of charge.
From March 2026, a green bin will be also provided free of charge for food waste collections only.
The service team can work with property managers to improve recycling access and ensure collections are suitable for residents.
Abandoned bins
A bin may be classed as abandoned if:
- it has been left out in public for a long period, and
- it does not appear to be in use.
Abandoned bins are at risk of theft, vandalism, or misuse.
If you spot a bin you believe has been abandoned, please report it so that we can collect and reuse it safely.
Bin charges
We receive over 1,000 bin requests each month. Administration and delivery charges of £25.75 for replacement or additional black bins helps share costs and encourages residents to look after their bins. Income from charges offsets Council costs, ultimately saving taxpayers money.
What’s free, what isn’t
- Black bins (not recyclable): £25.75 for replacements or additional bins (where eligible).
- Blue bins (dry recycling): Replacement or additional bins are free of charge to encourage recycling.
- Brown bins (garden): Replacement or additional bins are free of charge to encourage recycling.
Bin ownership and permitted containers
All bins remain the property of Derby City Council and must stay with the property they’re issued to, unless otherwise agreed.
The Council specifies the containers to be used. Crews only empty Council-issued bins (they meet safety and quality standards).
Deliveries
For properties with a frontage, deliveries are left on the property and a delivery card is posted. No signature is required.
We cannot accept liability for items delivered in a resident’s absence.
Depot collections are not available to residents for health and safety reasons.
Refunds
If you have paid for a replacement bin to be delivered, but your old bin has turned up, you can cancel your order before we attempt delivery. If so, we can refund you.
Unfortunately, we cannot refund orders that have been processed and for which delivery has been attempted.
If your old bin reappears, contact us and we will remove it.
Our collection teams will not empty additional black bins on collection day unless authorised to do so.