Refuse and recycling - Frequently asked questions
REFUSE COLLECTION |
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| No |
Question |
Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I do not have a wheeled bin, or my bin has broken. How can I obtain one? | Please call the Contact Centre. 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 2 | I only have a small property. Do I have to use a wheeled bin for my household refuse? | No, the Council also issues plastic sacks. Please call the Contact Centre.01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk
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| 3 | I have just moved into the Borough. On what day is my refuse collected? | Please call the Contact Centre.01322343290 |
| 4 | What are the collection arrangements over Christmas / Easter / Bank Holiday periods? | See the Borough News or local press. Alternatively please call the Contact Centre.01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 5 | Where should my wheeled bin / recycling box be placed on the day of collection? | At the front boundary of your property, by 7am please. |
| 6 | I am elderly / disabled and have difficulty getting my refuse to the front of my property. Can it be collected from elsewhere? | Yes. Please contact Public Realm for details of assisted collections.01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 7 | My refuse has been missed by the dustmen. What should I do? | Please contact Public Realm.01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 8 | I run a business within the Borough. Will the Council arrange to collect my commercial waste? | No - this service is not covered by your Business Rates. Contact registered waste carriers (yellow pages). Alternatively the Council can give you the number of its approved contractor.01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 9 | Do the Council collect large bulky items which will not go in a wheeled bin? | Yes. An appointment for collection can be arranged at a charge. Please contact Environmental Admin for details.01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 10 | Do the Council operate separate collections of medical waste? | Yes - this is free to residents but a charge is made for nursing homes, surgeries etc. Please contact Environmental Admin for details.01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 11 | Where are the Householders tips in the Borough, and when are they open? | These are at Rochester Way and Pepper Hill (Southfleet). They are operated by KCC and are for household waste, not commercial. A charge may apply for non Kent residents.01622605977www.kent.gov.uk |
| RECYCLING | ||
| No | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | When will I be getting my new recycling bin? |
The new recycling scheme is being introduced with a phased delivery and collection program. Any one who has a Monday refuse collection day will start to get their bins week commencing 15th October. |
| 2 | Where will the grey wheelie bin and the black glass recycling box be collected from? | All Bins should be left at the front boundary of the property by 7 am on the day of collection. Please return your wheelie bin and boxes to your property as soon as possible. |
| 3 | How often will my grey wheelie bin and the black glass recycling box be collected? | The new recycling wheelie bin and box for glass will be collected fortnightly |
| 4 | How will I remember which week is which for collections | Every home will receive a calendar detailing when you should leave out your recycling containers. Just pin up the calendar in your kitchen or keep it in a safe place for reference |
| 5 | Where do I store my grey wheelie bin and black glass recycling box | This is up to you - somewhere on your own property, but not on the pavement |
| 6 | The bin is too big - can I get a smaller bin? | Please try and use the bins and boxes for a couple of months. If you find you are not filling the bins please call 01322 343444 |
| 7 | Does this service cost me anything? | The cost is included in your Council Tax |
| 8 | How long will the scheme go on for? | The grey recycle wheelie bin and black glass recycling box is a permanent scheme, but further improvements to our reyclign services may well be added in the future |
| 9 | What do I do if my bin or box is not emptied? | Please phone the Council and report a missed collection (01322 343290) |
| 10 | What happens if my bin or box is damaged or stolen? | If bins become broken through wear and tear a replacement can be provided. Please contact Customer Services for more details |
| 11 | How can I identify my bin? | write your house number on your bin - and feel free to decorate if you want to make it stand out! |
| 12 | Can I put garden waste in my refuse bin? | No. We encourage residents to dispose of their green/kitchen waste by home composting. |
| 13 | is recycling collected at the same time as other waste? | recycling is collected on the same day as the refuse collection, but probably at a different time by a different vehicle. |
| 14 | what happens to the recycled materials? | They are taken to a specialist plant (a Materials Recycling Facility) where they are sorted and sent for reprocessing |
| 15 | Will clear sacks still be delivered? | No |
| 16 | I still have clear sacks what should I do with them? | Use them up if you want |
| 17 | why are recyclables being collected by a refuse vehicle | Although the vehicles look the same, they are different and recyclables are kept separate. |
| 18 | I live in a flat - why have I not had a bin delivered? | Because we will be introducing taylor-made recycling facilities for each block of flats a little later on. |
| 19 | So how can I recycle if I live in a flat? | You will continue to be provided with clear sacks for the time-being. |
| 20 | If I move what do I do with the bin and box? | The wheelie bin and box are owned by Dartford Borough Council and allocated to your property. If you move you must leave the bin with your current property. |
| 21 | Are there any recycling sites/bottle banks etc., in my area? | A full list of sites is on the Councils website or contact 01322 343290 |
| 22 | what door to door recycling services do the Council provide? | The Council provides a fortnightly door to door recycling collection service to households in the Borough. The black box for glass recycling and the grey wheelie bin for all other recyclables should be left out at the same time as your normal waste on your allocated collection date. Your calendar will inform you of your collection date |
| 23 | the recycling point is in need of litter clearance/removal of dumped items | Please contact 01322 343290 or |
| 24 | what materials are collected at the DBC recycling sites? | glass bottles, cans, newspapers and magazines, textiles. For a full list see your information pack, the website or contact 01322 343444 |
| 25 | What materials are recycled at the KCC Housholders tips? | For a full list see the KCC website or contact the KCC Website. |
| 26 | How many bins should each property have? | 1 bin for refuse, 1 bin for recycling and 1 box for glass. |
| 27 | what about elderly, infirm or disabled people? | for elderly or disabled residents an alternative collection point can be agreed. Residents can request an assisted collection by contacting. Customer Services |
| 28 | If I put out extra recyclable waste, will it be collected? | Please do not leave extra waste, either recycling or household refuse, alongside your wheelie bin as it won't be collected |
| 29 | How do I keep my bin clean? | Most recycling waste, such as cans, should be rinsed before putting in the wheelie bin so it's unlikely to get too dirty. Your wheelie bin can be easily cleaned by calling one of the local wheelie bin companies or by simply putting the bin on its side and using a mop or hosepipe. |
| 30 | I have recently moved and am unsure of when my refuse and recycling are collected? |
Please check here for collection days, or contact Customer Services |
| 31 | I have just moved into a brand new property and have just purchased a refuse wheelie bin. Do I also have to purchase a recycling wheelie bin? |
No as part of the new recycling scheme, any recycling wheelie bin delivered before the 1st April 2008, will be free. When you purchase your refuse bin, you will automatically be added to the schedule for delivery of recycling bin. |
| 32 | I have lost the calendar that was issued with my recycling bin! |
Please contact Customer Services, who will arrange for a replacement calendar to be sent to you. |
| 33 | Has my refuse collection day changed? | No – your refuse will be collected on exactly the same day as it always was, except for Christmas and bank holiday periods when it may be a day late. On these occasions you will need to check the local press. |
| 34 | What do I do with my black recycling box? | Your black box is to be used for recycling glass and should be put out with your fortnightly recycling. |
| 35 | I never had/ no longer have a black box? |
Please contact Customer services, who can organise for a new box to be delivered to you. |
| 36 | One black box is not enough for my glass collection. How many black boxes may I have? |
There is a maximum amount of two black boxes per household on the new recycling scheme. If you only have one but need another, please contact Customer Services who can organise for a second box to be sent to you. |
| 37 | I do not want a recycling bin what do I do? | As recycling is a big Environmental issue that affects everyone, not just for Dartford residents, we are asking everyone to give the recycling scheme a trial, just for a couple of months. We need all residents to do their bit. If at the end of the delivery process in February you do not use or want it, please ring and request that it is removed. |
| 38 | I do not want this bin and will continue to use my black recycling box ! | Once on the new fortnightly scheme, the black box is only to be used for glass and will not be emptied by the recycling company. |
| 39 | Do I have an alternative choice? |
You may use white carrier bags turned inside out or clear plastic sacks for you paper and card recycling. However, the council will not provide these. We ask you to please give the wheelie bin a trial. |
| 40 | I need a bigger recycling bin! | recycling wheelie bins will treble the volume of capacity for recycling. Therefore, one wheelie bin for refuse, one for recycling and a black box for glass should be more than enough for anyone’s needs. We ask you to please give the delivered size a trial until the end of the delivery process. If by the end of February you decide you still require a larger bin, please ring back and we can take your arrange the larger replacement. |
| 41 | How do I recycle my glass? |
Glass for recycling should be placed in the black box that was formerly used for recycling. |
| 42 | I am on the assisted list for my refuse collection because I cannot manage a wheelie bin – will I be added to the assisted list for recycling? |
If you are on the assisted list for your refuse collection, you will automatically be put on the assisted list for recycling. |
| 43 | I am on the assisted list because I cannot carry a black box – will I be added to the assisted list for recycling? |
No – you will be provided with a recycling bin that is easily manoeuvrable and therefore, more manageable. |
| 44 | My house is terraced and fronts on to the path. So where should I store my bins? | Generally these roads do not have much through traffic, and many residents have coped with the green wheeled bin for years. They may be able to do the same with the grey recycling bin. If this suits a particular neighbourhood, and does not become a hazard, all well and good |
| 45 | What about bins left out overnight in poorly lit roads? |
The choice of bin colour is difficult. One the one hand brigh coloured bins would be more visible, but there is considerable concern that lots of bins spoil the street scene. So, a neutral colour was chosen. |
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STREET CLEANSING |
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No |
Question | Answer |
| 1 | How often is my road swept? | Most residential roads should be swept every 4 weeks. There is a higher frequency along main roads or in shopping areas. 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 2 | Additional sweeping / litter clearance / clearance of dog fouling is needed. Who should I report this to? | Please contact Environmental Admin. 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 3 | How often are litter / dog waste bins emptied? | At least twice a week but more often in some locations. |
| 4 | Can additional litter / dog waste bins be provided? | Possibly. Please contact Environmental Contracts. 01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 5 | I wish to report overflowing / broken litter / dog waste bins. | Please contact Environmental Admin. 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 6 | I wish to report illegal dumping / fly tipping. | Please contact Environmental Contracts as soon as possible. If details of culprits such as registration numbers can be provided, this will be followed up. 01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 7 | There is graffiti which need removing. Can this be arranged? | The Council offer a service both for public and private buildings. Please contact Environmental Contracts 01322343273 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
PUBLIC CONVENIENCES |
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No |
Question |
Answer |
| 1 | Where are there public conveniences within the Borough? | Central & Hesketh Parks; Market Street; Orchard Street (MSCP); Temple Hill Square; |
| 2 | When are they open? | Monday - Saturdays from 8am to 6pm (or dusk in the parks)
Only the parks and Market St are open on Sunday. |
| 3 | Are there other conveniences that can be used? | A number of shopping centres have facilities e.g. Orchard Centre, Priory Centre, Bluewater, Waitrose. These are not maintained by the Council. |
| 4 | Which conveniences have disabled facilities? | All DBC conveniences have a separate disabled unit. A RADAR key is needed for access. Disabled residents can obtain these through Civic Centre, Cashiers. 01322343001 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 5 | Which conveniences have baby changing facilities? | Orchard St and Temple Hill Square |
| 6 | I wish to report a convenience not properly cleaned, in a poor condition, or with broken / missing equipment. | Please contact Environmental Admin01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
MARKETS |
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No |
Question |
Answer |
| 1 | When are markets held in the Borough, and where? | Saturdays in Dartford High St, and Thursdays in the Priory Centre car park, Instone Rd. |
| 2 | What sort of items are on sale? | Dartford markets have a wide range of goods from food to fashion, and from flowers to phones. |
| 3 | I wish to make an enquiry / complaint about a trader at Dartford Markets. Who should I contact? | Please contact the Market Manager. 01322343812 markets@dartford.gov.uk |
| 4 | I have purchased faulty goods at Dartford Markets. What should I do? | Please contact the Market Manager in the first instance, but the matter may need to be referred to KCC Trading Standards. 01322343812 markets@dartford.gov.uk |
| 5 | I would like to trade at one of Dartford's markets. Where can I find out the details? | Please contact the Market Manager. 01322343812 markets@dartford.gov.uk |
MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACES |
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No |
Question |
Answer |
| 1 | When is the grass cut on Council open spaces and verges? | Generally every two weeks in the growing season. |
| 2 | Grass cutting has been missed, or the grass is too long. Who should I contact? | Please contact Environmental Admin 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 3 | Shrubs on Council land need pruning because they are blocking paths / light etc. Can this be arranged? | Shrubs are normally pruned in Autumn, however additional urgent pruning can be arranged. 01322343290 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 4 | I am an OAP in a Council property. Do the Council provide an assisted grass cutting service? | Please contact the Council's Housing Section 01322343800 |
| 5 | I am on the assisted grass cutting list. The work has not been carried out / has been carried out poorly. | Please contact the Council's Housing Section. 01322343800 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 6 | A neighbours hedge is too tall/shading my property. | A Private Members Bill is going through Parliament which was introduced in June 2005. Please contact Planning Enforcement.01322343215 |
TREES |
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No |
Question |
Answer |
| 1 | A tree in a neighbouring private property is causing damage / nuisance. Can the Council take action? | Generally no. This is an issue that you must resolve with the owner of the neighbouring land / property. |
| 2 | A tree in a neighbouring Council property is causing damage / nuisance. Can the Council take action? | Yes. Please contact the Council's Housing Section. 01322343800 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
| 3 | I wish to report damage to trees / trees in a dangerous condition in a public area. Who should I contact? | Please contact Environmental Contracts 01322343231 customer.services@dartford.gov.uk |
