Cardboard Recycling

Since 6th December 2011 we have changed the way we collect cardboard for recycling. This is because of changes to the composting standards. 

We have sent all households that have recycling collections an information pack containing:

• an orange bag
• an information leaflet
• a brown bin sticker (to remind you what can go into your brown bin)
• Christmas and New Year collection arrangements.

Please use the orange bag instead of putting cardboard in your brown bin, which should only now be used for your food and garden waste.

What can I put in my orange bag?

Yes please…

• Brown cardboard
• Corrugated cardboard
• Cardboard packaging including
• pizza boxes
• cereal boxes
• frozen/chilled food boxes
• egg boxes
• toilet/kitchen roll tubes
• shoe boxes
• washing powder boxes

No thanks…

• foil-backed cardboard
• drinks cartons (Tetra Paks) – put these in the blue wheeled bin for recycling (if you have one)

How do I get more recycling bags?

To get a blue or orange recycling bag:

• Pick one up at any library or at your Neighbourhood Forum meeting
• Call in at our customer service centre at 1 Albion Street
• Contact Streetpride on 0333 200 6981 or email streetpride@derby.gov.uk.

How do I secure my recycling bags so they don’t blow away?

When you put your bags out, try to secure them by wedging them between two wheeled bins (if you have them).

To help us return your empty recycling bags:

• Please leave your bin out so we can secure your bags to the handle, or
• Provide something we can attach the bags to - or under.

What can I put in my brown wheeled bin?

Please use your brown wheeled bin to recycle garden and food waste only. You can still wrap your food waste in newspaper and put it in your brown bin.

When will you collect my orange bag?

We collect cardboard in your orange bag on the same day and week as your other recycling - your blue bag for papers, red bag for textiles and, if you have them, your blue and brown wheeled bins.

To find out your collection day:

• check the collection calendar we sent you in May 2011, or
• visit www.derby.gov.uk/binday - and enter your address or postcode, or
• call in at our customer service centre at 1 Albion Street.

Why are you no longer collecting cardboard in my brown bin?

Over the past few years, the quality of compost produced by the compost industry has improved and the value of recycled cardboard has increased.

New composting standards now require us to produce a higher quality of compost material and to reduce contaminants, such as the inks used to print on card.

Who will get an orange bag for cardboard?

All households that currently have paper and textile recycling will receive an orange bag. This means over 100,000 of Derby's households.

If you have shared, communal bins and don't already have a bin for cardboard recycling, we can't yet offer you the cardboard collection service. Please bear with us - we are working to introduce a full recycling service at your property in the future.

Will I still have an assisted collection for my orange bag?

Yes. If we collect your wheeled bins, papers, textiles or black sacks from an agreed place that is not at the kerbside, we will automatically do this for your orange bag.

If you need an assisted collection service or have any other special requirements, contact Streetpride on 0333 200 6981 or email streetpride@derby.gov.uk.

Can I still put shredded paper in my brown wheeled bin?

Yes, small amounts of shredded paper can still be placed in your brown wheeled bin.

Can I use my brown wheeled bin for just cardboard instead of the orange bag?

We are unable to accept cardboard in the brown wheeled bins due to our collection methods. You can have additional orange bags for cardboard if your produce a large quantity of cardboard.

Why has the ‘no cardboard in your brown bin’ regulation been introduced?

The composting industry has been improving the quality of the compost it produces for a number of years. The ink used to print on cardboard contains contaminants which affects the quality of the compost generated from householders brown bin collections. To keep producing a high standard of compost material from your waste the cardboard needs to be removed.

The new composting regulations are called Pas 100:2011 quality standard.

I have not recycled cardboard before as I don't have a brown recycling bin. I have now received an orange bag. Will you collect the orange bag for cardboard recycling from my address?

Yes. We will collect your orange bag for cardboard recyling if you have recycling of paper and textiles. Some households don't currently have recycling bins, but do have recycling collections. If you need more blue bags for paper recycling, red bags for textile recycling or orange bags, please get these from:

• your local library
• at your Neighbourhood Forum meeting
• our customer service centre at 1 Albion Street

or contact Streetpride on 0333 200 6981 or email streetpride@derby.gov.uk.

Downloads

• Cardboard recycling leaflet (pdf, 1,003kb)

Useful links

• Household waste - what to put in which bin
• Cardboard Collection Service – why we introduced the orange bags