Check Bin Days, Sort Colours and Fix Missed Collections
Use this practical guide to check North East Lincolnshire bin dates, understand green, grey, blue and brown bins, and avoid the small mistakes that leave waste uncollected.
It is built for Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham, Waltham, Humberston, Laceby, Healing, Scartho, New Waltham and nearby North East Lincolnshire homes.
Fast answer: North East Lincolnshire Council residents should use the official refuse collection schedule, search by postcode, choose the exact address and put the correct bin at the boundary or agreed collection point before 7am.
If the schedule tool is temporarily unavailable, do not guess from a neighbour’s calendar. Use the main bins and recycling hub or contact Waste Services on 01472 326288, option 1.
Official Source Audit: What This Guide Uses
This page is based on North East Lincolnshire Council’s live waste pages and the May 2026 Waste and Recycling Collection Service Policy. It does not copy generic UK bin advice because the local colour system is specific.
Collection date source
The official refuse schedule is the final place to check recycling, domestic and garden waste collection dates for an address.
Colour sorting checked
The council separates green household waste, grey container recycling, blue paper/card recycling and brown paid garden waste.
PDF policy checked
The policy PDF explains 7am presentation, assisted collections, no side waste, contamination cards, heavy bins, remote properties and missed collection rules.
How to Check Your North East Lincolnshire Bin Collection Date
The safest workflow is postcode first, exact address second, then save each waste stream separately. This matters for flats, communal bins, new-builds, alley collections and streets close to borough boundaries.
Open the official schedule
Use the council’s refuse collection schedule page. It is the official route for domestic waste, recycling and garden waste collection dates.
Search by postcode
Enter your postcode and select your exact property. Do not choose a nearby flat block, side street or similar address.
Record the colour and date
Save whether the next collection is green, grey, blue or brown. A date without the bin colour is how wrong bins get put out.
Put bins out before 7am
The council policy says wheeled bins must be presented at the property boundary by 7am on the scheduled collection day.
Bring bins back the same day
The policy says residents should return containers within the property boundary on the same day after collection.
North East Lincolnshire or North Lincolnshire? Check Before You Click
This is a common search mistake. North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council are separate councils with different bin pages, different containers and different recycling changes.
Use this guide if you live in NELC
Examples include Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham, Waltham, Humberston, Laceby, Healing, Scartho and New Waltham.
Do not use North Lincolnshire rules
Scunthorpe and wider North Lincolnshire use a different council website and different bin guidance. The dates and colours are not transferable.
Green, Grey, Blue and Brown Bins: What Goes Where
North East Lincolnshire’s colour system is not the same as many nearby councils. The green bin is general waste, the grey bin is mixed container recycling, the blue bin is paper/card, and the brown bin is paid garden waste.
| Bin / route | Use it for | Keep out | Resident tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green bin | Bagged household waste, plastic bags, cling film, crisp packets, bubble wrap, plant pots, nappies, wipes, tissues and takeaway containers. | Batteries, electrical items, vapes, hazardous waste and building materials. | Double-wrap dog waste and nappies. Never put vapes or batteries in the green bin because they can start fires. |
| Grey bin | Plastic bottles, toothpaste tubes, Tetra Pak cartons, clean foil and foil trays, pots, food tubs, trays, tins, cans, empty household aerosols and glass bottles or jars. | Polystyrene, plastic bags, paint/oil containers, sheet glass, pet food pouches, light bulbs, candles, drinking glasses and cookware glass. | Empty, rinse and squash items where possible. Keep recycling loose, not bagged. |
| Blue bin | Cardboard boxes, cardboard packaging, letters, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, shredded paper, greeting cards, wrapping paper and junk mail. | Pizza boxes, takeaway boxes, books, notepad wire, nappies, sanitary products and food waste. | Flatten cardboard and remove polystyrene, bubble wrap, foil or glitter before recycling. |
| Brown bin | Paid garden waste service for grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, flowers, hedge trimmings and small branches. | Plastic bags, soil, rubble, stones, food waste, animal bedding, plant pots, tools, furniture, fencing, sand and sawdust. | Label the bin clearly with your property number and make sure the valid sticker is displayed. |
| Community Recycling Centre | Items not suitable for household bins, such as some DIY waste, electricals, excess cardboard, white goods and restricted items. | Commercial waste and unaccepted hazardous waste. | Check Grimsby or Immingham rules before loading the car, especially for asbestos, rubble, plasterboard and mattresses. |
2026 Simpler Recycling Update: More Items Now Go in the Grey Bin
North East Lincolnshire’s 2026 update added extra items to the grey recycling bin. This matters because some older local habits and older articles still say these items belong in the green general waste bin.
Tetra Pak cartons
Clean Tetra Pak cartons, such as juice cartons, can now go in the grey bin.
Clean toothpaste tubes
Clean toothpaste tubes are now listed for the grey bin, not the green waste bin.
Clean foil and foil trays
Clean aluminium foil and foil food trays are now grey-bin recycling items.
North East Lincolnshire Bin Item Helper
Use this quick helper before bin night. It is not a full hazardous-waste database, but it covers the most common green, grey, blue, brown, bulky and recycling-centre choices.
Garden Waste 2026/27: Brown Bin Cost, Sticker and Timing
Garden waste is a paid service in North East Lincolnshire. Do not use the brown bin for garden waste unless you have signed up and the council has added your address to the collection list.
2026/27 cost
The council lists the 2026/27 garden waste service at £43.50 per bin.
Service dates
Collections start from 30 March 2026, include 23 collections and finish in March 2027, with a winter break from 15 December to 25 January.
Sticker delay
Allow 10 working days for your sticker to be delivered and for a collection date to be added.
| Garden waste point | What it means | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted | Grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, flowers, hedge trimmings and small branches. | Keep the material loose and do not compact it too heavily. |
| Not accepted | Plastic bags, soil, rubble, stones, food waste, animal bedding, plant pots, tools, fencing, sand and sawdust. | Remove wrong items before the next collection because contaminated bins will not be emptied. |
| No valid sticker | The crew will not empty a garden waste bin that does not display the correct sticker. | Attach the sticker clearly and label the bin with your property number. |
| Missed garden bin | You can report from 2:30pm until the following midday if it was out on time with correct contents. | Leave the bin out until emptied or instructed otherwise. |
Food Waste Collections: What Residents Should Watch in 2026
North East Lincolnshire has been planning a weekly food waste collection service. Until your household receives official caddy instructions or a live address-level update, do not assume food waste collection is active for every property.
What is expected
The council has said residents will be provided with indoor caddies and an outdoor container for weekly food waste collection.
How it may be collected
Food waste is expected to be collected weekly alongside general or recycling waste using vehicles with a food waste pod.
What to do now
Use the current council bin guidance until your household receives direct instructions or the official bins hub confirms your property is included.
Waste Collection Policy PDF: The Rules That Decide Collection
The May 2026 collection policy gives the practical rules behind many missed-bin decisions. These are the rules worth knowing before you report a problem.
| Policy rule | Plain-English meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnightly kerbside service | General waste and recycling are described as fortnightly kerbside collections for borough residents. | Use the postcode schedule to confirm your actual address dates. |
| Standard issue containers | The policy lists a 180L non-recyclable waste bin, 240L garden waste bin, 240L grey recycling bin and 240L blue paper/card bin. | Do not buy random bins and expect them to be emptied. |
| Edge of premises | Bins should be placed at the edge of the property where it meets the adopted public highway, unless another point is agreed. | Use the normal collection point, not a hidden yard, locked alley or back garden. |
| 7am presentation | Wheeled bins must be out by 7am on the scheduled collection day. | Put the bin out the night before if safe, especially on streets where crews arrive early. |
| No side waste | The council operates a strict no side-waste and bin-lid closure policy. | Do not leave extra bags beside the bin unless the council specifically authorises it after a missed collection. |
| Contamination | Bins with wrong materials can be left and a card posted through the door. | Remove the wrong items and wait for the next scheduled collection. |
| Heavy bins | Bins that are excessively heavy cannot be safely emptied. | Remove weight, especially wet garden waste, rubble, soil, DIY waste or compacted material. |
| Remote properties | Remote or unadopted-road homes may need to bring containers to the edge of the nearest adopted public highway. | Contact Waste Services if your collection point is unclear. |
Assisted Collections: Help If You Cannot Move Bins
The policy says assisted collections are available where no-one in the household is physically able to place bins at the edge of the premises. A collection point is agreed within the property boundary.
Who it helps
Residents with mobility, illness, disability or other physical limitations where no-one else in the household can present the bins.
Collection point
The council agrees a practical point within the property boundary so crews can collect safely.
How to start
Use the council’s assisted collection page or contact Waste Services if the online route is not suitable.
Missed Collection Diagnosis: Report It or Fix the Issue?
A missed collection report is strongest when you first rule out late presentation, wrong items, overfilled bin, heavy bin, access problems or a bin that was damaged beyond safe collection.
Side Waste, Lid Closure and Extra Bags
North East Lincolnshire’s policy is strict: waste should be inside the correct council container with the lid closed. Extra bags around the bin are not normally collected.
No normal side waste
Side waste may be placed back into the emptied bin or returned within the property boundary after collection.
Heavy bin risk
Excessively heavy bins cannot be safely emptied. Wet garden waste, soil, rubble and compacted waste are common causes.
Exception after a true missed bin
If a general bin is confirmed as missed and return is not possible, residents may be told they can present up to five standard black domestic bags next time.
Order, Replace or Request a Larger Bin
Use the official order-a-bin route for new homes, replacement bins, stolen bins, damaged bins, larger green waste bins and extra recycling capacity.
| Need | Official detail | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| New home | The property needs a postcode. If this has not happened, remind the builder or call the council. | Order after the property and address are ready. |
| Stolen or damaged bin | Standard 180L domestic or 240L garden waste replacement is listed at £31.25; large domestic capacity replacement is listed at £35.25. | Label bins with property number and street name to reduce mix-ups. |
| Larger green bin | You may qualify for a 360L green general waste bin based on household size, nappies or medical needs. | Check eligibility before requesting because HMOs are excluded from some resident-count rules. |
| Extra recycling bin | Extra 240L recycling bins are listed at £31.25 each. | Use extra recycling capacity before overfilling the green general waste bin. |
Bulky Waste Collections: Large Items, White Goods and Booking Rules
The bulky service is for large household items that do not fit in your normal bin, cannot be put out for normal collection, or cannot be taken to the tip.
| Bulky waste point | Current council detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Items per booking | The council can collect up to 10 bulky items per booking. | List every item before paying. Crews only take items listed on the booking. |
| Standard charge | Up to 4 items is listed at £27; extra items up to the maximum are £6.75 each. | Group items carefully to avoid paying for a second booking. |
| White goods | White goods marked on the list are charged at £13.50 each. | Keep fridges and freezers safe; store face down or remove/seal the door if unattended. |
| Set-out rule | Items should be out by 7am on the collection day, at street level, clearly visible and accessible on the footpath. | Do not leave items in houses, flats, gardens, garages, sheds, bin stores or up stairs. |
| Upholstered items | Torn sofas, armchairs, footstools, bean bags, office chairs, dining chairs and electric recliners must have rips taped before removal. | Do not break up sofas or armchairs; crews will not collect broken-up upholstered items. |
Grimsby and Immingham Recycling Centres: Rules Before You Travel
North East Lincolnshire has two Community Recycling Centres for residents only: Grimsby on Estuary Way and Immingham on Queens Road. Check rules before loading the car, especially for vans, trailers, rubble, plasterboard, asbestos and mattresses.
Grimsby Recycling Centre
Address: Estuary Way, Pyewipe Industrial Estate, Grimsby, DN31 2UD. Open 8am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Immingham Recycling Centre
Address: Queens Road, Immingham, DN40 1QN. Open 8am to 6pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
| Restricted item | Rule to know | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Soil and rubble | Single visit per household per day, maximum three bags, from your own home only. | Do not bring trade or business waste from builders, landscapers or gardeners. |
| Plasterboard | Clean, dry plasterboard only, maximum three bags per household per day. | Contaminated plasterboard with insulation, foil or plaster is not accepted. |
| Cardboard | Can be taken to either centre, but only blue bin or Grimsby Tip recycling route turns it into paper/cardboard again. | For best recycling, use the blue bin or Grimsby Tip where possible. |
| Asbestos | Only bonded asbestos from your home can be taken to Grimsby, with limits, ID and booking. | Book before visiting and follow packaging and identification rules. |
| Memory foam mattress | Memory foam mattresses must be cut up before arrival or before collection under bulky rules. | Check whether bulky collection is easier before cutting or transporting. |
What Happens to Your Waste After Collection?
This section helps residents see why sorting matters. Wrong items can contaminate a load and reduce what can be recycled.
Grey bin recycling
Mixed glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans and plastic recycling from grey bins and CRCs are sorted by Biffa Recycling and sent for reprocessing.
Blue bin paper and card
Paper and cardboard are sent to Palm Paper to be recycled into newsprint and cardboard.
Green bin household waste
Household rubbish from the green bin goes to NEWLINCS in Immingham for treatment and disposal through the Energy from Waste facility.
North East Lincolnshire Recycling Centre Map: Grimsby Route Check
Use this map only for directions. Always check the official CRC page first for opening hours, vehicle forms, accepted waste and restricted-item rules.
Local Insider Tips for Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham Bin Days
Small local details matter: coastal wind, alley access, busy terraced streets, school-run parking and shared bins can all affect collection day.
Use the 7am rule seriously
Collection times can vary. Put bins out the night before if safe and bring them back the same day.
Do not mix grey and blue recycling
Grey is for containers such as tins, bottles, cartons and jars. Blue is for paper and cardboard.
Flatten cardboard before blue bin day
Flat cardboard saves space and reduces the chance of lid-closure problems.
Label bins clearly
Use property number and street name, especially in alleyways, terraces, flats and windy areas.
Check garden sticker early
Garden waste collection depends on payment and a visible valid sticker, not simply owning a brown bin.
Do not risk rogue waste carriers
If someone takes waste away cheaply and dumps it, you can still be responsible. Check the official waste carrier register.
Official North East Lincolnshire Bin Links
Use these links for live actions. This guide explains the process, but North East Lincolnshire Council controls collection dates, fees, forms, garden waste stickers, missed-bin reports and CRC rules.
Refuse collection schedule
Official postcode schedule for recycling, domestic and garden waste collections.
What goes in your bins
Official green, grey, blue and brown bin sorting guidance.
Missed collections
Check rules before reporting after 2:30pm and before midday the next day.
Garden waste
Sign up, pay, check sticker timing and read garden waste rules.
Bulky waste
Book large household item and white goods collections.
Recycling centres
Check Grimsby and Immingham opening hours, vehicle forms and restricted waste.
North East Lincolnshire Council Bin Collection FAQs
How do I check my North East Lincolnshire bin collection day?
Use the official North East Lincolnshire refuse collection schedule page, search by postcode and select your exact address. If the tool is down for maintenance, use the bins hub or call Waste Services.
What time should I put my bin out?
The council policy says wheeled bins must be presented at the boundary of the property by 7am on the scheduled collection day.
What goes in the green bin?
The green bin is for household waste such as bagged rubbish, plastic bags, cling film, crisp packets, nappies, wipes, tissues and takeaway containers. Do not put batteries, vapes or electrical items in it.
What goes in the grey bin?
The grey bin is for container recycling such as plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, tins, cans, foil, empty aerosols, cartons, glass bottles or jars, Tetra Pak cartons and clean toothpaste tubes.
What goes in the blue bin?
The blue bin is for paper and cardboard such as cardboard boxes, letters, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, shredded paper, greeting cards, wrapping paper and junk mail.
How much is garden waste collection in North East Lincolnshire for 2026/27?
The garden waste service costs £43.50 per bin for 2026/27. Collections start from 30 March 2026 and residents should allow 10 working days for the sticker and schedule update.
When can I report a missed bin?
Missed collections can be reported after 2:30pm on the scheduled collection day and before 12pm the following day. First check the bin was out before 7am, correctly sorted, not too heavy and not overfilled.
Will the council collect side waste?
North East Lincolnshire operates a strict no side-waste and bin-lid closure policy. Extra waste around the bin is not normally collected unless the council specifically authorises extra bags after a confirmed missed collection.
Where are the North East Lincolnshire recycling centres?
The two Community Recycling Centres are Grimsby Recycling Centre on Estuary Way, DN31 2UD and Immingham Recycling Centre on Queens Road, DN40 1QN.
Is this website operated by North East Lincolnshire Council?
No. This is an independent resident guide. North East Lincolnshire Council’s official website remains the final source for live collection dates, reports, payments, bookings and recycling centre rules.