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Rubbish Collections Exemptions Policy

The Exemptions Policy has been developed to help those who are unable to meet the requirements of the new rubbish collections

IN THIS ARTICLE

The Council recognises that some households may find the capacity and frequency of the new waste collections challenging. The purpose of this Exemptions Policy is to put measures in place to ensure recycling and waste collections meet the needs of affected residents.

It is expected that residents will recycle all recyclable materials before considering applying for an exemption. Full information is available in our full collections exemption policy document.

You may qualify for an exemption if:

You already recycle everything you can, and

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’ 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’ or you have a large family.

Residents who qualify for an Exemption will be provided with the following:

In black bag areas:

Stickers to identify the additional black bag(s) to be collected fortnightly alongside normal residual waste, or a weekly collection for offensive waste

In wheeled bin areas:

A 240L wheeled bin to be collected fortnightly The Council reserves the right to review households on exempt collections every six months, and, if deemed no longer appropriate, to withdraw this service.

How to apply

Applications for an Exemption can be made online at: www.colchester.gov.uk/waste-limit-exemption or by phoning our Customer Service Centre on 01206 282700.

You will be visited by a Community Zone Warden who will make a decision based on the individual circumstances of the household. It is expected that residents will recycle all recyclable materials before considering applying for an exemption.

Appeals

Applications for Exemptions are reviewed on an individual basis. Applicants are permitted to one appeal, 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 re-apply for 6 months unless you have had a significant change in your household circumstances.