Check Bin Days, Sort the Right Colour and Fix Missed Collections Fast
Use this practical guide to check North East Lincs 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, Healing, Laceby, Scartho and nearby villages, with official links placed only where they help you complete the next step.
Quick answer: Use North East Lincolnshire Council’s official refuse collection schedule to check recycling, domestic and garden waste dates by postcode. If the checker is temporarily unavailable for maintenance, try again later or use the NELC bins hub instead of guessing from a neighbour’s street.
The colour system is the part most people get wrong: green is household waste, grey is mixed recycling, blue is paper and card, and brown is paid garden waste. Put bins out before 7am, and report missed collections only after 2:30pm on collection day and before 12pm the following day.
Official Source and SERP Gap Audit
Most search results answer only one job: “check your bin day.” This page adds the missing resident help: what to do when the schedule is down, what each colour means, why a bin is refused, how the 2026 garden waste sticker works, when to use bulky waste, and when Grimsby or Immingham tip is the better route.
Schedule source checked
NELC’s refuse collection schedule is the final place to check recycling, domestic and garden waste dates for your exact address.
Colour confusion fixed
The page uses North East Lincolnshire’s local colour system: green household waste, grey mixed recycling, blue paper/card and brown paid garden waste.
Policy PDF converted into help
The May 2026 Waste and Recycling Collection Service Policy is converted below into practical sections on 7am presentation, no-side-waste rules, contamination and CRC fallback.
How to Use the Official NELC Bin Collection Checker
Search by postcode or exact address. Do not copy a date from a nearby road, because collection rounds can vary by property and garden waste only applies if you have paid for the service.
Open the official schedule page
Use the North East Lincolnshire refuse collection schedule to check domestic, recycling and garden waste collection dates.
Select the exact property
Postcodes can include several roads, flats, new builds and shared collection points. Use the exact property result whenever it appears.
Save each colour separately
Write down green, grey, blue and brown dates separately. A single household note saying “bin day” is how the wrong bin gets put out.
Use the fallback for new-build addresses
If a new home does not appear, the property may not yet be added to the Local Land and Property Gazetteer. Confirm the postcode is registered and call the waste hotline if needed.
Screenshot placement
If you add a screenshot, place the official postcode checker image here. Suggested alt text: “North East Lincolnshire Council refuse collection schedule postcode checker”.
May 2026 Waste and Recycling Collection Policy: What Residents Actually Need
The official policy PDF is useful, but residents do not need every administrative detail. These are the parts that change what you do on bin day.
Fortnightly core collections
The policy confirms fortnightly kerbside general waste and recycling collections for residents in the borough. Always use the address checker for the exact colour/date.
7am presentation rule
Wheeled bins must be presented at the boundary or agreed collection point by 7am on the scheduled collection day.
Bring bins back same day
Residents are expected to return containers within the property boundary on the same day after collection.
Wrong items can stop collection
If bins contain wrong materials, they may be left unemptied and a card may be posted to explain the problem.
Heavy-bin risk
Excessively heavy wheeled bins can be refused because of lifting safety. Avoid soil, rubble, wet compacted garden waste and overloaded lids.
No side waste
The policy uses a strict no-side-waste and lid-closure approach. Waste around the bin is not normally collected.
3-Minute North East Lincs Bin Setup for Any Household
Do this once for a home, flat, shared house, landlord handover or new tenant pack. It prevents most missed-bin and wrong-bin problems.
Check official dates
Save the next green, grey, blue and brown dates from the postcode schedule.
Set a night-before alarm
Bins need to be at the boundary or agreed collection point before 7am. Do not rely on putting bins out after breakfast.
Check contents
Wrong items can lead to non-collection, especially in grey recycling, blue paper/card and brown garden bins.
Close the lid
Side waste and overfilled bins can be refused. Use the tip or bulky waste route for extra material.
Label your bins
NELC advises labelling bins with property number and street name, especially where bins are stored together.
Know the report window
Report missed collections only after 2:30pm on collection day and before 12pm the next day.
North East Lincs Bin Collection Schedule 2026: What to Check
Searches for “Grimsby bin day”, “Cleethorpes bin collection”, “NELC bin schedule” and “what bin is it this week” all need an address-specific answer. This table shows what to do after opening the official checker.
| Resident need | What to check | Common mistake | Best next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find my next bin day | Search your postcode or exact address on the official schedule. | Using a neighbour’s date or an old screenshot. | Save the live result and set a night-before reminder. |
| Check green bin week | Green household waste collection date. | Thinking green means recycling. | Use green for bagged household waste only. |
| Check grey recycling week | Grey mixed recycling date. | Putting plastic bags, polystyrene, broken glass or contaminated containers in grey. | Use the official what-goes-in-bin list first. |
| Check blue paper/card week | Blue paper and cardboard date. | Adding pizza boxes, takeaway boxes, books or wire from notepads. | Keep paper/card clean and remove wrong materials. |
| Check brown garden waste date | Paid garden waste subscription, sticker and collection date. | Putting out a brown bin without a valid sticker. | Allow 10 working days for sticker and schedule update after payment. |
| Bank holiday concern | Public holidays and festive changes. | Assuming every bank holiday causes a one-day delay. | Use the live council schedule; Christmas and New Year can vary. |
North East Lincs Bin Reminder Planner
This tool stores a reminder in your browser only. It does not send personal data and does not replace the official collection schedule.
- Official postcode schedule checked.
- Correct green, grey, blue or brown bin selected.
- Bin out before 7am at boundary or agreed point.
- Lid closed and no unapproved side waste.
- Correct items only; no contamination.
- Brown garden waste sticker visible if using paid service.
Item Route Helper: Green, Grey, Blue, Brown, Bulky Waste or Tip?
Use this for common items before bin day. It is a practical shortcut, not a full A-Z database. For unusual waste, use the official A-Z directory.
North East Lincs Bin Colours: Green, Grey, Blue and Brown
This colour guide is the page’s most important practical section. North East Lincolnshire’s colour system is not the same as many other councils.
Green bin
Use for: bagged household waste, plastic bags, cling film, crisp packets, sweet wrappers, bubble wrap, plant pots, nappies, wipes, tissues and takeaway containers.
Keep out: batteries, electrical items, vapes, hazardous waste and building materials.
Grey bin
Use for: plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, tins, cans, aerosols, cartons, foil, clean foil trays, clean toothpaste tubes and glass bottles or jars.
Keep out: plastic bags, polystyrene, paint/oil containers and broken or sheet glass.
Blue bin
Use for: cardboard, letters, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, shredded paper, greeting cards, wrapping paper and junk mail.
Keep out: pizza boxes, takeaway boxes, books and wire from notepads.
Brown bin
Use for: paid garden waste only, such as grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, flowers, hedge trimmings and small branches.
Keep out: food waste, soil, rubble, stones and plastic bags.
2026 Simpler Recycling Update: What Changed for the Grey Bin?
North East Lincolnshire announced that more items can now go in the grey bin because of the Government’s Simpler Recycling strategy. This matters because older lists and older PDFs can be less clear than the current live sorting page.
Tetra Pak cartons
Clean cartons can go in the grey recycling bin. Empty them first and keep them loose, not bagged.
Clean toothpaste tubes
Clean toothpaste tubes are listed in the newer grey-bin guidance. Dirty or partly full tubes should not be treated as clean recycling.
Clean aluminium foil and trays
Clean foil and clean aluminium trays can go in the grey bin. Food-contaminated foil belongs elsewhere.
Missed Bin Diagnosis: Report, Wait or Fix the Issue?
A missed-bin report should only be sent when the bin was out on time, at the right point, with the correct contents, not too heavy, not overflowing and still not collected within the reporting window.
North East Lincs Garden Waste 2026/27: Cost, Sticker and Winter Break
Garden waste is optional and paid. The 2026/27 service costs £43.50 per bin and begins from 30 March 2026. Allow 10 working days for your sticker to be delivered and your collection schedule to be updated.
| Garden waste point | Rule | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £43.50 per bin for the 2026/27 service. | Check the live payment page before completing payment. |
| Collection start | Begins from 30 March 2026. | Sign up early if you want collections from the start. |
| Sticker and schedule | Allow 10 working days for the sticker and schedule update. | Do not put the brown bin out for garden waste until your account is active. |
| Winter break | No collections from 15 December to 25 January. | Use the tip route or store garden waste safely during the break. |
| No side waste | Garden waste outside the brown bin is not collected. | Do not leave extra sacks beside the bin. |
| Wrong items | Plastic bags, soil, rubble, stones and food waste do not belong in the brown garden waste bin. | Remove wrong items before putting the bin out. |
Bulky Waste Collection: Items, Costs and Collection-Day Rules
Use bulky waste for large household items that do not fit normal bins, cannot be collected with the usual service, or cannot easily be taken to the tip.
| Bulky waste point | NELC detail | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Item limit | Up to 10 items per booking. | List every item accurately before payment. |
| Standard service | Collection within 4 to 10 working days. | Use if you do not need urgent collection. |
| Rapid service | Collection within 1 to 3 working days, subject to availability. | Check live availability and charge in the booking form. |
| Costs | Up to 4 items: £27. Extra items up to 10: £6.75 each. White goods: £13.50 each. Rapid collection: £6.75 each. | Check the booking form for special fridge/freezer costs. |
| Presentation | Items must be out by 7am, visible, accessible and at street level. | Crews will not enter houses, flats, gardens, garages, sheds, bin stores or go up steps. |
| Upholstered items | Torn sofas, armchairs, sofa beds and upholstered chairs must have rips taped over. | Do not break up sofas or armchairs; crews will not collect broken-up sofas or armchairs. |
Order a Bin: New Homes, Damaged Bins, Stolen Bins and Larger Bins
Use the official “Order a bin” route if you move into a home without bins, need a repair, have a stolen bin, or need larger or extra capacity.
| Bin request | Official rule or cost | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| New home without bins | Bins for a property without containers cost £31.25 each. | For a full set of grey 240L, green 180L and blue 240L bins, NELC lists £93.75. |
| New-build not showing | The bin schedule may not appear until the property is added to the Local Land and Property Gazetteer. | Ask the builder to register the property and call NELC if needed. |
| Repair a bin | Repairs may include missing lid, split lid, lid pins or wheels. | Use repair before paying for a full replacement. |
| Stolen or damaged beyond repair | £31.25 for a standard domestic waste 180L bin or 240L garden waste bin; £35.25 for a large capacity domestic waste bin. | Label bins with property number and street name. |
| Larger green bin | A 360L green general waste bin may be available if the household meets criteria. | Criteria include larger households, nappies or medical needs. |
| Extra recycling bin | Extra 240L recycling bins can be purchased, and medical excess recycling may qualify for support with evidence. | Use this route before leaving side waste beside containers. |
Assisted Bin Collections: Who Can Apply?
Assisted collections are for households where no one is physically able to put bins outside. NELC can empty and return wheelie bins from an agreed collection point within the property.
Basic eligibility
You may qualify if ill health or disability prevents bin presentation and no household member over 18 can help.
Evidence may be needed
Temporary assisted collections can require medical evidence. Applications are reviewed over time.
Location review
Some private access roads, long drives or distant collection points may not be suitable for assisted collection.
Grimsby and Immingham Community Recycling Centres
There are two Community Recycling Centres in North East Lincolnshire. They are for residents who live in the borough, and the rules matter before you load the car.
Grimsby CRC
Estuary Way, Pyewipe Industrial Estate, Grimsby, DN31 2UD. Open 8am to 6pm daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Immingham CRC
Queens Road, Immingham, DN40 1QN. Open 8am to 6pm daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
| Tip rule | What it means | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Visit limits | Households can visit a maximum of twice a day in a car, small van, SUV or estate car. | Large vehicles and trailers have tighter rules and declaration requirements. |
| First visit or changed vehicle | You may need to complete a Community Recycling Centre form before coming to site. | Do the form before loading the car. |
| Soil and rubble | Single visit per household per day with a maximum of three bags. | Do not bring trade or business soil/rubble. |
| Plasterboard | Clean, dry plasterboard only, maximum three bags per household per day. | Keep insulation, foil or contaminated plasterboard out. |
| Cardboard | Cardboard can be taken to either site, but NELC says it will only be recycled if it goes in your blue bin or Grimsby tip. | Use the blue bin or Grimsby route where recycling outcome matters. |
| Asbestos | Only bonded asbestos from your home can be taken to Grimsby tip, and it must be booked with rules followed. | Check time slots, ID, packaging and 24-hour notice before travelling. |
Food Waste Collection Update: What Residents Should Know
North East Lincolnshire does not currently offer a separate food waste recycling service for all households. The council policy says the earlier food waste pilot was suspended to support future rollout planning.
Do not use brown garden bins
Kitchen food waste is not garden waste. Keep food scraps out of the paid brown garden waste bin.
Wait for rollout instructions
Do not start a new food caddy routine until the council publishes official container and collection instructions.
Reduce food waste now
Plan meals, store leftovers safely and keep avoidable food waste out of the green general waste bin where possible.
Local Tips for Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Immingham and Villages
These are practical habits for North East Lincolnshire streets, coastal weather, shared storage areas and new-build address issues.
Wind matters near the coast
In exposed areas, put bins out as late as practical the night before and bring them in promptly after collection so they do not roll into roads or pavements.
Label more than the number
Use property number and street name where bins are stored in alleys, terraces, flat blocks or shared yards.
Do not block narrow footpaths
Put bins at the agreed point without blocking wheelchairs, prams, mobility scooters or school-run pedestrians.
Terraced streets need car awareness
If parked cars block access, crews may not be able to collect. Watch tight roads and cul-de-sacs on bin morning.
New-build homes need extra checking
If your address is missing from the schedule, check postcode registration and contact the waste route before guessing.
Use Immingham as a pressure-release option
If Grimsby tip is very busy and Immingham is practical for your journey, checking the other site can save time.
Official North East Lincolnshire Council Bin Links
Use these official pages for live actions. This guide explains the process, but NELC controls collection dates, missed-bin reports, payments, bookings, bin orders and recycling-centre rules.
Refuse collection schedule
Check domestic, recycling and garden waste collection dates.
Bins and recycling hub
Main NELC waste service menu.
What goes in your bins
Green, grey, blue and brown sorting guidance.
Missed collections
Report after 2:30pm and before noon the next day.
Garden waste
2026/27 sign-up, payment, sticker and dates.
Bulky waste
Large item list, standard/rapid service and charges.
Order a bin
New homes, repairs, replacements and larger bins.
Assisted collections
Apply if no one in the household can physically put bins out.
Recycling centres
Grimsby and Immingham tip locations, opening times and rules.
North East Lincs Council Bin Collection FAQs
How do I check my North East Lincs bin collection day?
Use North East Lincolnshire Council’s official refuse collection schedule and search by postcode or exact address. It shows recycling, domestic and garden waste collection dates for your property.
What time should I put my bin out in North East Lincolnshire?
Put bins outside your property boundary or at the agreed collection point before 7am on collection day. Take bins back in as soon as possible after collection.
What goes in the green bin in North East Lincolnshire?
The green bin is for household waste such as bagged rubbish, plastic bags, cling film, crisp packets, sweet wrappers, bubble wrap, plant pots, nappies, wipes, tissues and takeaway containers. Do not put batteries, electricals, vapes, hazardous waste or building materials in it.
What goes in the grey recycling bin?
The grey bin is for mixed recycling such as plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, tins, cans, aerosols, cartons, foil, clean aluminium foil trays, clean toothpaste tubes and glass bottles or jars. Do not add plastic bags, polystyrene, paint containers, oil containers, sheet glass or broken glass.
What goes in the blue bin?
The blue bin is for paper and card, including cardboard, letters, envelopes, newspapers, magazines, shredded paper, greeting cards, wrapping paper and junk mail. Pizza boxes, takeaway boxes, books and notepad wire are not accepted.
When can I report a missed collection?
Report a missed collection after 2:30pm on the scheduled collection day and before 12pm the following day. First check that the bin was out before 7am, contained the correct items, was not too heavy and was not blocked by access issues.
How much is North East Lincolnshire garden waste collection in 2026/27?
The 2026/27 garden waste service costs £43.50 per bin and begins from 30 March 2026. Allow 10 working days for your sticker and schedule update after payment.
Is there a winter break for garden waste?
Yes. The 2026/27 garden waste service states there are no collections from 15 December to 25 January.
Where are the North East Lincolnshire tips?
The two Community Recycling Centres are Grimsby CRC at Estuary Way, Pyewipe Industrial Estate, DN31 2UD, and Immingham CRC at Queens Road, DN40 1QN. Both are open 8am to 6pm daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
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 schedules, missed collection reports, payments, bookings, bin orders and recycling centre rules.