Charging for containers FAQs
Why is the council introducing charges?
The council spends approximately £260,000 per year supplying waste containers. Due to reduced government funding and increasing costs, this is no longer sustainable. Local authorities in England and Wales are permitted to charge for waste containers and bins under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
What does the charge cover?
The charge has been introduced to cover the administration and delivery of bins and is intended to encourage residents to take responsibility for the wheeled bins provided and to reduce demand for replacement containers.
Why doesn’t my Council Tax cover the cost of containers?
Council Tax funds the collection and disposal of household waste. It does not cover the cost of supplying replacement containers.
How much does a replacement bin/caddy cost?
These are one-off charges for replacement containers. There is no ongoing or annual fee:
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Green refuse bin – £40
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Blue recycling bin – £40
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Kerbside food caddy – £10
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Kitchen caddy – £5
What is excluded from charging?
The following containers will continue to be supplied free of charge:
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Garden Waste brown bins (Only if the household has a current paid subscription)
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New build properties
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Upsizing. In some circumstances, we may provide larger bins without charge where there is a demonstrated need for additional capacity.
When will I receive my replacement bin/caddy?
Your replacement wheelie bin/caddy will be delivered within 21 days.
What am I supposed to do with my waste or recycling whilst I wait for the delivery of a replacement wheelie bin and/or caddy?
In the meantime, while waiting for your replacement bin/caddy, we ask that you:
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use black sacks for general waste.
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use clear sacks for recycling.
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use black sacks for food waste and put into the general waste bin until you receive your new caddy.
If your bin/caddy is still useable, please continue to use it while you are awaiting your new bin/caddy.
Can I buy a bin from elsewhere?
No. Bins must be sourced from the council. They need to be compatible with the Council's vehicle lifting mechanism and meet our requirements for quality, size and colour. Poor quality bins or bins of a different design pose a serious safety risk so we will not empty bins which do not meet these requirements.
Can I avoid the charges by collecting my new container from the depot?
Containers are available by delivery only. Residents are not permitted to collect containers for operational and health and safety issues. There is still an administrative process involved and the cost includes an amount to cover the administration of this service.
Do I have to pay if I move into a new build property with no bins?
No, this is just for replacement bins if damaged/lost/stolen or if you require an additional general waste or recycling bin.
Does this charge include communal bins and/or bins at flats?
Yes. The charge for communal bins will be the responsibility of the property owner. It may be a combined residential burden written into rent agreements.
Please discuss this with your managing agent or landlord and ask them to contact us to make the arrangements.
What if my bin was damaged by the collection crew?
If your wheelie bin is lost or damaged as a result of falling into the back of a collection vehicle this will be replaced free of charge. The collection crews record the details of any such incidents. If the collection team has not recorded an incident but you believe this to be the case, you can submit a claim to receive a replacement free of charge. You will require evidence such as video footage or photos to support your claim. Without evidence, we are unable to accept your claim. All claims must be submitted to: customer.service@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Are there any concessions?
No. There are no concessions or payment plans available.
What if I decide to cancel my order?
If you cancel your request within 14 days of payment, you will be refunded following return of the Container issued to you.
Any cancellations received outside of the 14-day period will not be eligible for a refund.
How can I prevent my bin from going missing or getting damaged?
You can reduce the risk of your bin going missing or being stolen by marking it with your address and returning it to your property as soon as possible after collection. You are responsible for keeping your bins safe. Over full or over heavy bins can become damaged when lifted by the collection vehicle.
What if I cannot afford a bin?
The council cannot supply a container without payment. Residents may dispose of waste at household recycling centres at Alkerton or Ardley.
If I pay for a new bin, will I own it?
No, the fee does not mean that you will own the bin. The bin remains the Council’s property at all times.
Can I take my bin with me if I move property?
Containers must remain at the property to which they were originally supplied and must not be taken to a new address if you move home. The only exception is if the resident has a current Garden Waste subscription and moves to a new property within the district and within that same subscription period, they can take the garden waste bin with them.
I have moved house and there is no bin at my address, do I have to pay for my containers?
If you are moving to a New Build house, the developer would have been invoiced for your containers and if payment has been received, your bins will be delivered once you have registered for Council Tax.
If you are moving to another property that is not a new build and there are no containers, you will have to pay for them to be delivered.