Cost of living support
Colchester Borough Council is providing support for residents facing the cost of living crisis.
Rubbish Collections Exemptions Policy
The Exemptions Policy helps those who cannot meet the maximum rubbish limits.
IN THIS ARTICLE
We know that some households find the capacity and frequency of rubbish collections challenging. The purpose of this Exemptions Policy is to put measures in place to ensure recycling and rubbish collections meet the needs of affected residents.
We reserve the right to review households on exempt collections every six months. The service may then stop if we find that it is no longer needed.
Who can apply for an exemption
We expect all residents to recycle all recyclable materials before applying for an exemption. Full information is available in our full Collections Exemption Policy.
You may qualify for an exemption if you already recycle everything you can, and meet the following conditions.
In black bag areas
You have a large quantity of non-recyclable rubbish which means you are unable to meet the fortnightly limit of three black bags per household (totalling no more than 180 litres).
For example, you need to dispose of large amounts of ‘offensive waste’ such as nappies, or you have a large family.
In wheelie bin areas
You have a large quantity of non-recyclable rubbish which means you are unable to fit it into the standard 180-litre wheelie bin per fortnight.
For example, you need to dispose of large amounts of ‘offensive waste’ such as nappies, or you have a large family.
What will happen if you are given an exemption
Residents who qualify for an exemption will be provided with suitable equipment.
In black bag areas
You will be given tickers to put on the additional black bags to show you have an exemption. The bags will be collected fortnightly alongside normal general waste, or on a weekly if they contain 'offensive waste' such as nappies.
In wheeled bin areas
You will be given a 240-litre wheeled bin, which will be collected fortnightly.
How to apply
Applications for an Exemption can be made online or by phoning our Customer Service Centre on 01206 282700.
Apply nowYou will be visited by a Community Zone Warden who will make a decision based on the individual circumstances of your household.
What to do if you disagree with our decision
Applications for Exemptions are reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants are permitted to appeal once to a Recycling and Waste Manager. Appeals can be made online or by phoning our Customer Service Centre on 01206 282700.
A decision will be made within 14 days. If you are refused an exemption, you may not reapply for 6 months unless you have had a significant change in your household circumstances.
