Service standards
Due to sickness and staff shortages, we’ve been unable to complete some bin collections from Friday 29 May and Monday 1 June.
We’re sorry for the inconvenience. Our crews are working hard to catch up as quickly as possible.
You don’t need to report this - we know which streets are affected.
If your bin was due to be emptied and we haven’t reached your street yet, please leave it out for collection.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Our recycling and rubbish collection services have a major impact, making Lewisham a great place to live - but we need your support and commitment, so our service standards outline what you can expect from us as well as what we need from you.
Kerbside collections
- put your bins out before 6am on collection day at the edge of your property (crews can’t enter your property unless you’re on an assisted collection)
- don’t leave bins in the street after collection
- keep bin lids closed to avoid spills and help crews work safely
- use each bin for the correct waste only - no black bags, food waste or general rubbish in recycling bins
- if your recycling bin is full, put extra recycling in clear bags for collection
- make sure your recycling is clean and dry (especially paper and card)
- rinse containers such as jars and bottles before recycling
- DIY waste, garden waste and food waste cannot go in a general waste or non-recyclable bin
- no packaging or liquids in food waste bins
- put food waste in clear plastic bags (for example bread bags) - you don’t need biodegradable bags
- report missed collections after 2pm and within 48 hours
- if bins are damaged, misused, lost or stolen, tell us
- park considerately on collection days so crews can access your street
If you live in a flat or have communal bins
- put bins out before 6am or use the agreed communal bin location
- keep bin lids closed and use the correct bins - no black bags, food waste or general rubbish in recycling bins
- make sure recycling is clean and dry - rinse items like jars thoroughly
- DIY waste and garden waste cannot go in general waste bins
- no packaging or liquids in food waste
- report missed collections after 2pm and within 48 hours
- park considerately on collection days
- if bins are damaged, misused, lost or stolen, tell your landlord or managing agent so they can contact us
- keep areas around communal bins clear so crews can collect them
- flatten cardboard boxes and clean all items before recycling
Thanks for helping us recycle more and keep our borough clean and tidy.
Email: recycle@lewisham.gov.uk for more recycling advice.
Service standards
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