Rubbish contamination
There are some materials that can contaminate your rubbish bin.
If any of these items are found in your rubbish bin, it will not be emptied.
Common contamination items
Soil and rubble
This can make the bin too heavy to collect. Take it to Smugglers Way Recycling Centre.
Garden waste
Please use your garden waste bag, subscribe for garden waste collections, or take it to a recycling centre, where it'll be transported to a facility to be composted.
Bulky waste
Large household items should not end up in, or next to your rubbish bin. If the items are in good condition, donate them to charity. For items in unusable condition, check if they can be recycled at a recycling centre.
For anything that can’t be reused, recycled, or that you can’t transport, book a bulky waste collection. If you live on a Lambeth Housing estate, arrange a collection through your housing management.
Electrical waste, light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
These are a fire hazard. Electricals in safe, working condition can be donated to charity. Electrical appliances can also be returned to store or collected by the supplier when you buy a new appliance.
You can also recycle these items by taking them to a recycling centre.
Batteries
When they're crushed, bent or damaged in any way, batteries can cause fires. Do not put them in your rubbish bin. You can recycle batteries at many shops that sell them. Find a recycling point near you.
Clinical waste
This can be hazardous, so it must be stored and collected separately from household rubbish. We offer a collection service for clinical waste.
Building materials
This can make the bin too heavy. You can take DIY building waste to Smugglers Way Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
Hot ashes
These are a fire hazard. Wait until they have cooled, then bag them and put them in your rubbish bin.
Commercial waste
Find out what businesses need to do to get commercial waste collected.
Removing contaminating items
It is the responsibility of the residents using the bin to remove these items before it can be collected again. There is support available if you cannot remove the items or need further assistance:
- Email: streetcarecallcentre@lambeth.gov.uk
- Phone: 020 7926 9000
Remember to use your recycling bin or clear sacks for any items that can be recycled.
See our A-Z of what to do with your waste for all other materials.