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Applying for a larger grey bin
Eligibility
You can apply for a larger grey bin if:
- your household circumstances have changed in the past 8 weeks, and
- the amount of waste you now produce means a standard grey bin is too small for all your non‑recyclable waste, even after recycling as much as possible
and you meet one of these criteria:
- a medical need is demonstrated
- your household has:
- 2 or more children in disposable nappies
- 5 people including 1 child in disposable nappies
- 6 or more permanent residents
Recycling requirements
It is important that you separate all waste for recycling. A standard grey bin is normally enough for a household of 6 when all available recycling services are fully used.
Your household must be using all of the following services:
- Green bin: paper, card and cardboard
- Blue bin: plastic bottles, tubs, punnets and trays, tins and cans, clean foil, aerosol cans, cartons
- Glass box: glass bottles and jars
- Food waste caddy: all food waste
- Brown bin: compostable garden waste
If you do not have a brown bin, we expect you to compost garden waste at home or take it to a recycling centre.
Other recyclable items, such as textiles, should be taken to charity shops, textile banks or charity collection points.
Check you have enough recycling bins
Before applying, you must check whether you need additional recycling bins or boxes. Many households find that increasing their recycling capacity reduces the need for a larger grey bin.
An extensive survey by Zero Waste Scotland found that on average over 50% of material found in grey bins is recyclable, with the majority being food waste.
If you do not have enough recycling bins or boxes:
If you already have enough recycling bins and boxes:
Waste diary and assessment
Before we can consider giving you a larger bin we'll ask you to complete and submit a waste diary over a full 3‑week collection cycle.
A Waste Officer will review this, then visit your property to offer the right level of service support for your household.
Consideration for a larger bin will only be given to households using all kerbside recycling services, including food waste collections, and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Ongoing review
Your bin capacity for non‑recyclable waste will be reviewed after 2 years. If your circumstances change, the additional capacity may be removed.
If any recyclable material, including food or garden waste, is found in the grey bin, the additional capacity may also be withdrawn.
Medical‑related household waste
We can support households that produce non‑clinical waste due to a medical condition. This is handled sensitively.
Residents are provided with an application form and visited by a Waste Advisor to assess requirements. A letter of confirmation from a medical professional may be required.