Find Bin Days, Food Caddy Rules and Missed Collection Help
Use this Portsmouth guide to check your collection date, place bins correctly, sort green recycling, use food waste caddies and avoid common missed-collection problems.
It covers the 6am set-out rule, weekly food waste, recycling contamination, Leaf it Out garden waste, bulky waste, Port Solent HWRC bookings, mobility help and contact scripts.
Quick answer: Portsmouth residents should check their collection date on the official Portsmouth recycling and rubbish service, then put bins, bags and food waste caddies at the front boundary or pavement before 6am on collection day, or after 7pm the night before.
Food waste is collected weekly on the same day as rubbish by a different crew. Green recycling must be clean, dry and loose. Leaf it Out garden waste is a paid service collected every two weeks, and Port Solent HWRC visits need booking.
I Want To…
Start with the task you need. Each card points to the part of the page that helps you complete that action without reading everything.
Check my date
Use the council date task and save the right day for rubbish, recycling and food waste.
Use food caddies
Check 5L/23L caddy setup, liners, handle position and plastic-bag warning.
Report missed bin
Check if you should report now or wait until the collection window ends.
Sort recycling
Use the green bin correctly and avoid a rejected recycling load.
Manage rubbish
Check rubbish limits, extra bag stickers and bigger-bin assessment advice.
Use garden waste
See Leaf it Out pricing, sacks, brown bin rules and missed garden waste contacts.
Visit Port Solent HWRC
Check booking, permits, seasonal hours and the 1pm daily closure break.
Contact the team
Use scripts for missed bins, garden waste, HWRC booking or bulky waste.
Check Your Portsmouth Bin Collection Dates
Use the official Portsmouth collection-date task as the final source. This is especially important for flats, flat-fronted houses, communal bins, student homes and properties close to route boundaries.
Open the official council route
Start from Portsmouth’s recycling and rubbish hub or use the collection-date form directly. Select the exact property rather than guessing from a nearby address.
Record each collection separately
Save rubbish, green recycling, food waste and garden waste separately. Food waste is collected on the same day as rubbish but by a different crew.
Use the set-out window
Put bins out before 6am on collection day or after 7pm the night before. Bring bins back by the end of collection day.
Check before reporting a missed collection
Portsmouth collections can happen between 6am and 4pm. Check the time, service updates and contamination before reporting.
Save Your Portsmouth Bin Reminder
After checking the official date, use this quick browser reminder note. It stays on your device and helps shared houses avoid “which bin tonight?” confusion.
Portsmouth Container Guide: What Each Service Is For
Portsmouth has different routes for black rubbish, green recycling, grey food waste caddies and paid brown garden waste. Mixing them is the fastest way to create a missed or rejected collection.
Black rubbish bin or bags
Use for general household rubbish that cannot go in green recycling, food waste, recycling banks, HWRC or another official route.
Flat-fronted properties have a three standard-bag weekly limit.
Green recycling bin
Use for clean paper, clean cardboard, plastic bottles with lids on, tins, cans and empty aerosols.
Only bottle-shaped plastics go in kerbside recycling.
Grey food waste caddies
Use the small 5-litre indoor caddy and large 23-litre outdoor caddy for raw and cooked food waste.
Plastic bags in the caddy mean it will not be emptied.
Brown garden waste bin/sacks
Use the paid Leaf it Out service for loose leaves, grass cuttings, hedge cuttings and small woody material.
Garden waste is collected every two weeks.
Checklist Before Leaving Bins Out
This is the quick “before bed” checklist for collection night. It prevents the most common Portsmouth bin problems.
- Collection date checked on the official Portsmouth council task.
- Bins, bags or caddies placed out after 7pm the night before or before 6am on collection day.
- Rubbish is secure, double-bagged where needed, or inside the black wheelie bin.
- Food waste caddy is visible and not hidden between rubbish and recycling bins.
- Food caddy handle is straight up or all the way forward to lock the lid.
- No plastic bags, glass, liquids, cat litter, packaging or garden waste in the food caddy.
- Green recycling is clean, dry, loose and contains accepted materials only.
- Brown garden waste is loose in the bin or sacks, not in plastic bags.
- Bins will be brought back by the end of collection day.
Portsmouth Food Waste Collection: Weekly Caddy Rules
Food waste is collected every week on the same day as rubbish, but by a different vehicle. Your black bin or bags may be collected before your food caddy.
Indoor caddy
Use the small 5-litre indoor caddy for daily kitchen scraps, plate scrapings, tea bags, coffee grounds and leftovers.
Outdoor caddy
Empty the indoor caddy into the 23-litre outdoor caddy and place it at the front boundary or pavement by 6am.
No plastic bags
If there are plastic bags in your caddy, Portsmouth says it will not be emptied. Use EN13432 compostable liners, newspaper or no liner.
| Allowed in food caddy | Not allowed | Helpful habit |
|---|---|---|
| Plate scrapings, meat and fish including bones, seafood shells, eggshells, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, bread, cakes, fruit, vegetables, tea bags, coffee grounds and pet food waste. | Packaging, plastic bags, glass, liquids such as milk, cat litter, animal faeces, compostable cutlery, compostable packaging and garden waste. | Keep the indoor caddy near the sink or food prep area. Hidden caddies usually do not get used. |
Green Recycling Bin: What Portsmouth Collects
Portsmouth’s green recycling bin is for a narrower list than many residents expect. Keep it clean, dry and loose, and remember that plastic means plastic bottles only.
| Accepted kerbside recycling | Keep out | Practical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Clean paper, magazines, newspapers, clean cardboard, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles with lids on, food tins, drinks cans and empty aerosols. | Dirty or wet paper/card, greasy cardboard, Tetra Pak cartons, shredded paper, non-bottle plastics, bottles with liquid, paint cans, aluminium foil, glass, food, nappies and bagged recycling. | Squash plastic bottles and put lids back on. Put recycling loose in the bin, not inside bags. |
Rubbish Limits, Extra Bags and Bigger Bin Help
If rubbish regularly overflows, check recycling and food waste first. Portsmouth expects residents to separate recyclable items and food waste so black rubbish stays within the allowance.
Flat-fronted properties
Flat-fronted properties can put out up to three standard size rubbish bags, generally up to 80 litres each, on collection day.
Extra bag stickers
Use the official extra bag sticker route if you need extra rubbish collected. Stickers must be placed on every extra bag.
Bigger bin assessment
If you recycle and use food waste properly but still need more capacity, contact the council for a bigger bin or allowance assessment.
Leaf it Out Garden Waste: Prices, Rules and Missed Collections
Portsmouth garden waste is a paid service. Brown bins and garden waste sacks are collected every two weeks, and the collection day may be different from rubbish, recycling or food waste.
| Garden waste point | Current Portsmouth rule | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| 240L brown bin subscription | Annual subscription for a 240L garden waste bin is £72 from 1 April 2026. | Use the official portal or phone route to sign up or renew. |
| Garden waste sacks | Annual garden waste sacks subscription is £80 from 1 April 2026. A pack includes 25 sacks, and up to 4 sacks can be put out at a time. | Choose sacks if a wheeled bin is not suitable for your property. |
| Extra sacks | Extra packs cost £15. Call 023 9284 1105 and select option 4. | Plan before a major garden clear-out. |
| Allowed garden waste | Leaves, grass cuttings, hedge and tree cuttings, and small woody material. | Put garden waste loose in the brown bin or sacks, not in plastic bags. |
| Not accepted | Large logs, food waste, animal waste, soil, hardcore, bricks, paving slabs and landscaping materials. | Use composting, HWRC or another official route. |
Missed Collection Diagnosis: Report or Wait?
Use this before reporting. Portsmouth collections can happen between 6am and 4pm, and food waste may be collected at a different time from rubbish.
Common Mistakes That Stop Portsmouth Collections
These are the practical causes to check before reporting. Fixing them prevents repeat missed-collection frustration.
| Problem | Why it fails | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Out too late | Collections can start at 6am. | Put bins out after 7pm the night before or before 6am on collection day. |
| Bins left out too long | Bins and sacks should not stay on pavements outside allowed times. | Bring bins back by the end of collection day. |
| Plastic bags in food caddy | Portsmouth says the caddy will not be emptied if plastic bags are inside. | Use EN13432 compostable liners, newspaper or no liner. |
| Wrong recycling items | Non-bottle plastics, glass, food, nappies and bagged recycling can contaminate the green bin. | Remove wrong items and use recycling banks, HWRC or rubbish routes where needed. |
| Too much rubbish | Extra rubbish is not collected without the correct sticker or service route. | Use extra bag stickers, HWRC booking, bulky waste or a bigger-bin assessment. |
| Garden waste bagged in plastic | Garden waste must be loose in the bin or sacks. | Remove plastic bags before the next Leaf it Out collection. |
Portsmouth Item Route Helper
Choose a common item to get the likely Portsmouth route. This is a practical helper, not a full item dictionary.
Bulky Waste Collection: Sofas, Beds, Fridges and Large Items
Portsmouth bulky waste collection is for larger household items such as sofas, beds, mattresses, fridges, freezers, washing machines and furniture. Check the booking rules before leaving anything outside.
Collection cost
Portsmouth says bulky waste collection starts from £40. Call for a quote and book the collection.
Council Tax support
If you receive Council Tax Support, you can get one free collection in any rolling 12-month period with proof or permission for checks.
Collection day
Items must be outside by 6am, visible, accessible, ground-floor level and clearly separated from other belongings.
| Bulky waste rule | What it means | Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Items must match the booking | The crew collects only items agreed at the time of booking. | Do not add extra items after booking unless the council confirms it. |
| Wet or heavy items may fail | Items that become too heavy to lift safely may not be taken. | Cover sofas, mattresses and soft items if rain is expected. |
| Non-collection fee | If crews cannot collect because items are not visible, accessible or correctly placed, a £25 fee may apply. | Put items at the agreed point, not behind gates or in a back garden. |
| Change/cancel timing | Changes or cancellations should be made at least 2 working days before collection. | Late changes may reduce refund or require an extra fee. |
Portsmouth HWRC at Port Solent: Booking, Permits and Hours
The Portsmouth Household Waste Recycling Centre is at Paulsgrove Portway, Port Solent, PO6 4UD. Book your visit and check vehicle permit rules before loading the car.
| HWRC point | Current rule | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Address | Paulsgrove Portway, Port Solent, PO6 4UD. | Plan the route before loading the car. |
| Booking | Portsmouth residents should book a visit before using the HWRC. | Use the official HWRC booking system. |
| Vehicle permit | Some vehicles need a permit, and bookings can count toward permit visit allowances. | Check permit rules before arriving. |
| Daily closure | The site closes every day from 1pm to 1.30pm. | Avoid arriving just before lunch closure. |
| Phone help | For PO1 to PO6 and some PO7 addresses, residents who cannot book online can call 023 9284 1105 and select option 5. | Use the phone route for HWRC booking and permit help. |
Map and Location Help for Port Solent HWRC
Use the map for orientation only. Always check official booking, vehicle permit and seasonal opening rules before travelling.
1 Oct to 28 Feb
Open 9am to 4pm, closed daily 1pm to 1.30pm.
1 Mar to 31 Mar
Open 9am to 5pm, closed daily 1pm to 1.30pm.
1 Apr to 30 Sep
Open 9am to 6pm, closed daily 1pm to 1.30pm.
Assisted Bin Collections for Mobility Issues
If you need help putting bins out due to mobility issues, Portsmouth lets residents request an assisted bin collection.
Who should check
Apply if mobility issues stop you from safely placing bins, sacks or caddies at the boundary.
Collection point
Be clear about where bins are kept and what support is needed on collection day.
Need help?
Use the recycling and rubbish contact route if you cannot complete the request online.
Phone Script and Contact Help
A clear message gets a better answer. Prepare your address, bin type, date, what was put out and what you already checked.
Missed bin script
Hello, my address is [full address and postcode]. My [rubbish / recycling / food waste / garden waste] was due on [date]. It was out before 6am at the boundary. I checked for service updates and contamination. Please advise or log the missed collection.
Bulky waste script
Hello, I live at [full address]. I want to book bulky waste collection for [list each item]. Please confirm whether these items can be collected, the price, where to place them and the collection day.
Local Portsmouth Bin Day Tips
These tips are built for compact Portsmouth streets, terraced homes, flat-fronted properties, student move-outs, seafront wind, busy pavements and Port Solent tip trips.
Use after-7pm set-out
Put bins or bags out after 7pm the night before rather than rushing before 6am.
Keep pavements clear
Bring bins back by the end of collection day. Portsmouth pavements are narrow in many streets.
Make food caddies visible
Do not hide the outdoor caddy between rubbish and recycling bins.
Plan student clear-outs
Extra black bags from move-outs are not normal weekly waste. Use HWRC, bulky waste or reuse routes.
Sort before Port Solent
Separate DIY waste, electricals, cardboard, reuse items and general waste before leaving home.
Keep plastic out of garden waste
Leaf it Out garden waste should be loose in the brown bin or sacks, not bagged in plastic.
Official Portsmouth Council Action Links
Use these for final action. This guide explains the process, but Portsmouth City Council controls dates, forms, charges, bookings, updates and service rules.
Recycling and rubbish hub
Main official page for collection dates, missed bins, item checker, new bins, garden waste and HWRC.
Find collection dates
Official Portsmouth collection date task.
Waste portal
Manage waste tasks, missed collections and related services.
Food waste collection
Weekly food waste, caddy use and no-plastic-bag warning.
Garden waste
Leaf it Out pricing, two-week collections and garden waste contacts.
Portsmouth HWRC
Port Solent tip bookings, permits and recycling centre guidance.
Portsmouth City Council Bin Collection FAQs
How do I check my Portsmouth bin collection day?
Use Portsmouth City Council’s official recycling and rubbish hub and choose “Find your bin collection day.” Use your exact address and recheck before relying on old reminders.
What time should I put bins out in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth says collections happen between 6am and 4pm. Put bins out before 6am on collection day or after 7pm the night before, then bring them back by the end of collection day.
Is Portsmouth food waste collected weekly?
Yes. Food waste is collected every week on the same day as your rubbish, but by a different crew.
What size food waste caddies should Portsmouth residents have?
Portsmouth says households should have a small 5-litre indoor caddy and a large 23-litre outdoor caddy.
Why was my Portsmouth food waste caddy not emptied?
A common reason is plastic bags in the caddy. Portsmouth says if there are plastic bags in your caddy, it will not be emptied.
What goes in Portsmouth green recycling bins?
Accepted kerbside recycling includes clean paper, clean cardboard, plastic bottles with lids on, tins, cans and empty aerosols. Keep recycling clean, dry and loose.
Can plastic tubs, trays or carrier bags go in Portsmouth green recycling?
No. Portsmouth’s kerbside plastic recycling is for bottle-shaped plastics only. Tubs, trays, carrier bags and other non-bottle plastics should not go in the green recycling bin.
How does Portsmouth garden waste collection work?
Portsmouth’s Leaf it Out garden waste service collects brown bins and garden waste sacks every two weeks. Garden waste must be loose in the bin or sacks and not in plastic bags.
How much is Portsmouth garden waste collection in 2026?
Portsmouth lists prices from 1 April 2026 as £72 for an annual 240L garden waste bin subscription and £80 for an annual garden waste sacks subscription.
When can I report a missed bin collection in Portsmouth?
If you followed the set-out guidance and your bin was not collected, report it through the online portal and leave the bin at the boundary. Portsmouth says it will try to empty it within one to two working days after it is reported.
How much does Portsmouth bulky waste collection cost?
Portsmouth says bulky waste collection starts from £40. Some Council Tax Support residents can get one free collection in any rolling 12-month period with proof or checks.
Where is Portsmouth Household Waste Recycling Centre?
The Portsmouth HWRC is at Paulsgrove Portway, Port Solent, PO6 4UD. Visits should be booked, and the site closes every day from 1pm to 1.30pm.