Report a missed bin collection

Please note

We are aware of disruptions to collections at the moment. Please read the latest update from the Leader of Southampton City Council.

Before you contact us to report your missed bin, please check that one of the following wasn't responsible for your missed collection:

If your answer to all these questions is 'yes' then please complete the missed bin collection form. This form will show you all the information we have on your most recent bin collections, as logged by the waste collection crew. 

We aim to return for a missed collection within two to five working days.

Please remember to take your bins back in after they have been emptied. Leaving your bins on the pavement is an offence as it causes a hazard for pedestrians.

My collection wasn't missed but my bin hasn't been emptied

There can be other reasons why your bin was not emptied. Here are the most common problems and what you can do to resolve them.

Why was my waste not collected?	What does this mean?	What should I do?
Bin contains the wrong items/is contaminated	Check you are using the correct bin and not using the bins for items which cannot be collected by the council, like rubble or clinical waste.	Remove contamination and we will collect on the next scheduled collection day. For details check what goes in my bin.
Bin too heavy	For health and safety reasons, the bin must be easily and safely manoeuvrable by one person. A bin can become too heavy when waste gets wet, overly compacted or contains heavier items, like rubble or lots of food.	Remove the items making your bin too heavy and we will collect on the next scheduled collection day.
Waste is stuck	The waste in the bin jammed and so the crew were unable to empty your bin.	Please loosen the waste and put your bin out on your next scheduled collection day.
Excess household waste	Sacks left around your bin are classed as excess waste and will not be collected.	Please either place the waste in your bin for your next scheduled collection day or take it to one of the local recycling centres.
Black sacks with your garden waste	Sacks of garden waste out with your normal garden waste bin is known as side waste and so will not be taken. This is stated in the garden waste terms and conditions.	Please empty the sacks into your garden waste bin and leave out at your next garden waste collection day.
Damaged bin	Our collection crew found your bin was too damaged to be manoeuvred safely. A replacement has been ordered for you and will be delivered as soon as possible.	Please bag your household waste until your new bin arrives. Recycling must be in clear bags.
Road or property access blocked	Roads or entrances can be blocked by vehicles or obstructions, gates being locked or road works so we can't get to your bin.	Please leave your bin out and we will return within 48 hours.
Wrong bin out for collection	Your collection crew have reported that the wrong bin was out for collection, like a general waste bin out on recycling week.	Place the right bin out on the scheduled day, as shown in the waste collection calendar.
Bin missed	We may have accidentally missed your bin.	Please report your missed bin online within 48 hours of your scheduled collection day.

Why don't you take extra rubbish?

Around 70% of household waste is recyclable so there should be no need to create extra rubbish. We are committed to reducing the waste we send for disposal and increasing what we recycle. The best way to do this is through recycling or composting your waste. Find out more on reduce, reuse, recycle.

See also:

• Nearest recycling centre
• Report lost, damaged or stray bin
• Request to empty a recycling bank