Latest Service update - Waste and recycling

Any Aberdeen resident wishing to bring household waste using a larger vehicle, or bring household paint or chemicals must book an appointment. Bookings must be made in advance. For more information please visit; Book an appointment at a household waste and recycling centre.

Cars and small vans can continue to access the sites without a booking but will still require to bring proof of address. 

Only residents of Aberdeen may use the sites. 

Commercial waste is not permitted at any time.  

The Waste and Recycling collection crews are still required to follow Government physical distancing guidelines, therefore collection crews have adopted a different way of working so fortnightly collections could be reinstated. Mini buses are being used to transport operatives to and from their route and to access welfare facilities. The collection crews are still adapting to their new way of working therefore, there may be some delays in finishing routes. If your bin is not emptied as scheduled, please put it back out the following day and we will endeavour to empty it as we catch up. We appreciate residents’ patience as our collection crews find the most efficient way of delivering a “normal” service, whilst having to observe physical distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of covid-19.
 

The Waste and Recycling collection crews are still required to follow Government physical distancing guidelines, therefore collection crews have adopted a different way of working fortnightly collections could be reinstate. Mini buses are being used to transport operatives to and from their route and to access welfare facilities. The collection crews are still adapting to their new way of working therefore, there may be some delays in finishing routes. If your bin is not emptied as scheduled, please put it back out the following day and we will endeavour to empty it as we catch up. We appreciate residents’ patience as our collection crews find the most efficient way of delivering a “normal” service, whilst having to observe physical distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of covid-19.

New permits are available to buy online from Wednesday 15 July 2020. Garden Waste permit applications can only be made online. No cash or cheques are accepted.  For more information read our Garden waste collection and permit FAQs.

Garden and food waste collections (brown bins) were temporarily suspended in order to understand how the Council can deliver services whilst following the measures imposed by the UK government. Brown bin collections restarted from 6 April on a reduced frequency. 

Members who attended Committee on 30 June 2020 agreed no refunds for services that were reduced due to the impacts of Covid-19. For more information visit; Urgent Business Committee.

The range of materials accepted at the sites is reduced to accommodate physical distancing measures on-site and help reduce queueing traffic by minimising visiting times and maximising the number of vehicles through the sites. Check the list of materials accepted at the sites.

Hazlehead, Bucksburn, and Tullos Household Waste and Recycling Centres opened on Monday 1 June. Scotstown Road in Bridge of Don, reopened on Monday 15 June.
All HWRCs are operating on normal summer opening hours, from 10am to 7.45pm from Monday to Friday and from 9am to 7.45pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The Tullos site will however be closed on Wednesdays. 

Always check the Council website for the latest information before travelling to a recycling centre and check the list of materials accepted at the sites.

The range of materials accepted at the sites is reduced to accommodate physical distancing measures on-site and help reduce queueing traffic by minimising visiting times and maximising the number of vehicles through the sites. At the same time, the range of materials include those that households most commonly need to get rid of.   
In addition, some of the reprocessors that normally take some of the materials for recycling or processing are not yet fully open. Check the list of materials accepted at the sites.

You should keep them for now. Store them safely at home until they are accepted at the recycling centres.  

To adhere with physical distancing rules, there are a number of changes to the way the sites operate:  

• A limited number of cars will be allowed on site at any one time.  
• Residents wishing to visit with a larger vehicle or trailer, or bring paints or chemicals can now book an appointment.  
• Traffic will be managed at each site to keep everyone safe. Congestion will be kept as low as possible at each site and you may be asked to return another time if it is too busy.  
• Only one person may leave the vehicle to unload items or a maximum of 2 if unloading large vehicles (note a booking is required for large vehicles) or bulky items. 
• New signage will be displayed outlining that residents should maintain a minimum 2m distance between all those on site.  
• Staff are not able to assist you with unloading your waste so please only bring what you can safely carry on your own.  

• When you arrive, you should follow the signs to join the queue of single file cars if there is one.  
• Your ID and proof of residency will be checked while you wait. Please place this in your windscreen. Please keep your windows closed.  
• At the barrier you will be asked what you’re bringing and directed to the appropriate bay – please remember, our teams will not be able to help empty your car so please only bring what you can safely carry yourself.  
• Only one person may leave the vehicle to unload itemsor a maximum of 2 if unloading large vehicles (note a booking is required for large vehicles) or bulky items.  
• You will then leave via the signposted exit.  
   

From 10 August, you must book an appointment to visit a Household Waste and Recycling Centre if you are: 

• arriving in a larger vehicle or bringing a trailer 
• bringing paint or chemicals in any size of vehicle (please note that these materials are only accepted at the Hazlehead site).

For more information and to book an appointment please visit book an appointment at a household waste and recycling centre.

No, pedestrian access is not permitted at any time.  

No. This is to ensure that physical distancing measures are observed. Visitors are asked only to bring what they can safely deposit in the skips themselves. If for any reason you need to speak to staff during your visit, please wave to get their attention and keep 2m distance at all times.  

Do not bring waste at any time which has been used when Coronavirus symptoms have been present i.e. used tissues, wipes etc. This should be kept separately, double bagged and left for 72 hours before placing in your household bin.  

Only residents of Aberdeen can use the sites. This is to discourage householders from outwith the city making unnecessary journeys and ensure maximum access for Aberdeen residents.  Other local authorities provide their own HWRC facilities for residents in their areas. Residents are asked to ensure they have a proof of address document, such as a current utilities’ bill or driving licence, on their dashboard.  

Vehicles displaying a Blue Badge will be permitted access with a passenger (subject to normal physical distancing rules) so that they can unload the waste on the driver’s behalf if necessary.    

Only one person may leave the vehicle to unload items or a maximum of 2 if unloading large vehicles (note a booking is required for large vehicles) or bulky items. If you have something you cannot manage yourself, you could book a bulky uplift.

We will continue to follow national guidance and monitor and review the practices at the HWRCs to ensure our staff and residents stay safe.  Changes (e.g. increasing the range of materials accepted) will only be implemented when it safe to do so.  Always check the Council website for the latest information before travelling to a HWRC.   

No. None of the HWRCs in Aberdeen are licensed to take commercial waste. Please use a licensed waste management company to dispose of your waste or contact our Trade Waste Team to arrange a regular trade waste collection service. For more information about your duty of care or licensed waste facilities, please visit the SEPA website. 

If you have something you cannot manage yourself, you could book a bulky uplift.

Please do not leave anything next to bins either on street or at recycling points. 

No, if you have paid someone to do the work, this is commercial waste and it is their responsibility  to dispose of any waste created. They should do this via a licenced waste contractor or site and it is your responsibility to ensure that they are able to do so. Commercial waste is not accepted at any Aberdeen City HWRC.  
 

No further changes to collections are planned but it is difficult to predict the future impact of coronavirus and whether any further changes to services will be necessary.  

No, the permit must be attached to your bin for garden waste to be collected. Crews will only collect garden waste from your bin if a permit is attached. 

Residents should put food waste in their brown bin or their general waste bin – whichever is due for collection next.  

Some food waste can be home composted. Find out more about home composting.

Many caddy liner distribution points are now temporarily closed in response to the latest government advice on the coronavirus. A number of Spar Stores are once again distributing caddy liners. Please use the map to locate your nearest participating store.

Caddy liners can also be collected at: 

Danestone Community Centre
Open 11am – 2.30pm Tuesday  - Thursday

Mastrick Community Centre
Open 9am – 2pm Tuesday  and 10am – 12pm Thursday.

Powis Community Centre
Open 9.30am – 2pm Monday  - Friday

As an alternative to caddy liners you can: 

• Use an ice cream tub or other container to collect your food waste and then tip it directly into your communal food waste bin or brown bin.  
• Wrap food scraps in newspaper or paper towels and put directly into your communal food waste bin or brown bin.  
• Uncooked food such as fruit and vegetable peelings can be home composted 
   

Any additional items left beside bins will not be collected. 
Simple tips to reduce your waste

• Avoid food waste - visit Love Food Hate Waste or use apps such as Supercook
• Shop smart – use reusable fruit and veg bags, bring your bags for life
• Mend, repair and upcycle – give your stuff a longer life! Learn new skills and get your kids involved. 
• Avoid single use packaging such as takeaway trays or water bottles
• Use reusable personal care products such as cloth nappies and menstrual products
• Help your garden grown - find out more about home composting
• Stop unwanted mail using Mailing Preference Service and Royal Mail 
• Sign up for electronic bills and statements. 

For more hints and tips on waste reduction visit the Greener Scotland website