Bin contamination

Putting the wrong items in any of your bins can contaminate the rest of the waste we collect.

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.