Check Bin Days, Sort Recycling Boxes and Fix Missed Collections
Use this practical Torbay guide to check your collection day, sort orange and green recycling boxes, use the blue paper bag, prepare food waste, book bulky waste and report a missed collection correctly.
It is built for Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and Torbay households using wheeled bins, seagull-proof sacks, food waste bins, recycling boxes, garden waste brown bins and the Tor Park Road recycling centre.
Quick answer: Check your Torbay bin collection day on the official Torbay Council collection page. Recycling boxes, the blue paper bag and the food waste bin are collected weekly. Most wheeled general waste bins are collected fortnightly. Properties not suitable for wheeled bins may use seagull-proof sacks, usually with a weekly collection.
Put containers out at the edge of your property by 6am on collection day. If your collection is genuinely missed, report it after 6pm on collection day and within 2 full working days.
I Want To…
Start with the action you need. Each card sends you to the right section or official Torbay/SWISCo page.
Check my bin day
Use Torbay’s official collection page before putting out recycling, food waste, wheeled bins, seagull sacks or garden waste.
Sort my boxes correctly
Use the orange-sticker box, green-sticker box and blue paper bag properly so the crew can collect everything safely.
Report a missed collection
Wait until after 6pm, check if the crew has marked the property complete, then report within 2 full working days.
Get a new container
Order recycling boxes, box covers, food caddy, food bin, blue paper bag, pink battery bag, wheelie bin or seagull-proof sack.
Book the tip
Tor Park Road recycling centre needs a booked slot. Check opening times, visit limits and temporary site notices before loading your car.
Book bulky waste
Use the bulky waste service for large items when you cannot reuse, donate or take items to the recycling centre yourself.
Official Torbay and SWISCo Details Used
This independent guide uses official Torbay Council and SWISCo pages for collection dates, recycling boxes, food waste, wheeled bins, seagull bags, missed collections, garden waste, bulky waste, replacement containers, assisted collections, clinical waste and the recycling centre.
6am rule
Containers should be out at the edge of your property by 6am on collection day.
Weekly recycling
Torbay empties recycling boxes, the blue paper bag and food waste containers weekly.
Fortnightly rubbish
General household waste is usually collected once a fortnight for wheeled-bin households.
SWISCo contact
SWISCo contact details shown on Torbay pages are info@swisco.co.uk and 01803 701310.
3-Minute Setup for Torbay Homes
Use this setup when you move in, lose a container, change from sacks to a wheeled bin, subscribe to garden waste or help someone else with their bins.
Check your official collection date
Use Torbay’s collection page for your property. Do not rely on a neighbour’s day if your street has flats, different sacks, access limits or a private lane.
Identify your general waste container
Most households use a wheeled bin. Some properties that cannot use wheeled bins have seagull-proof sacks.
Match recycling to the right box
Orange box, green box and blue paper bag have different rules. The biggest avoidable mistake is mixing paper, cardboard, glass, tins and plastics into the wrong container.
Put containers out by 6am
Collection times can vary. Place containers at the property boundary where they can be reached from the adopted public highway.
Report only in the correct window
Do not report a missed collection before 6pm. Report within 2 full working days if your collection was genuinely missed.
Torbay Collection Schedule: What Goes Out and How Often
Always check your property’s date on the official page. The table below explains the normal Torbay service pattern.
| Service | Normal pattern | Put-out rule | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recycling boxes | Weekly. | Use the correct orange or green box. Keep items contained inside boxes. | Loose recycling, wrong box, wet cardboard or no box cover/net in windy weather. |
| Blue paper bag | Weekly with recycling. | Use for accepted paper only. | Putting brown paper or brown envelopes in the blue bag instead of with cardboard. |
| Food waste bin | Weekly. | Use the larger outdoor food waste bin for collection. | Food packaging, cardboard, oils, liquids, garden waste or cut flowers. |
| Wheeled general waste bin | Usually fortnightly. | Use for non-recyclable rubbish only. Lid should be fully closed. | Recyclables, food waste, DIY waste, garden waste or bulky waste inside. |
| Seagull-proof sack | For properties unsuitable for wheeled bins; usually weekly. | All waste inside must be tied in bags so crews can lift it safely. | Loose waste inside the sack or recycling mixed with general waste. |
| Garden waste brown bin | Paid service, every two weeks. | Use only SWISCo-provided brown bins for accepted garden waste. | Contamination, waste beside bin, wrong container or no active subscription. |
Torbay Bin Reminder Planner
Check the official date first. Then save a simple note here for your household. This reminder stays in your browser only.
- Official Torbay collection date checked.
- Containers ready at the boundary by 6am.
- Recycling sorted into the correct box or blue bag.
- Food waste transferred to the larger outdoor food waste bin.
- Wheeled bin lid fully closed with no waste on the lid or floor.
- Seagull-proof sack waste tied in bags if your property uses sacks.
- Garden waste subscription active if using a brown bin.
Sorting Helper: Which Torbay Container Should I Use?
Choose a common item and use the result as a practical starting point before bin day.
Recycling Boxes, Stickers and Blue Paper Bag
Each Torbay property should have at least two recycling boxes, a food waste bin and/or caddy, and a blue bag for paper. Recycling boxes and the blue paper bag are emptied weekly.
| Container | Accepted examples | Common rejection risk |
|---|---|---|
| Orange-sticker box | Flattened cardboard, one large flattened cardboard piece per collection, brown envelopes, brown paper, egg boxes, glass bottles and jars, sealed labelled cooking oil, sealed labelled engine oil and small electricals in a labelled carrier bag. | Dirty or wet cardboard, glitter cards, drinking glasses, pyrex, window panes, light bulbs or large electrical items. |
| Green-sticker box | Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, foil packaging, clean tin foil, aluminium trays, food tins, drink cans, empty aerosols, household batteries and clean dry textiles. | Black plastic, plastic film, wrappers, carrier bags, plant pots, polystyrene, gas canisters, car batteries, wet textiles, duvets or pillows. |
| Blue paper bag | Newspapers, magazines, catalogues, shredded paper in one clearly marked loosely tied carrier bag, white envelopes, directories, letters, leaflets, junk mail and coloured paper. | Brown paper, brown envelopes, padded envelopes, gift bags and wrapping paper. |
Food Waste: Weekly Collection and Caddy Rules
Torbay provides a small kitchen caddy for indoor use and a larger outdoor food waste bin for collection. The outdoor bin is collected weekly with recycling.
Use the kitchen caddy
Line it with a plastic bag, carrier bag, sandwich bag, pedal-bin liner, bread bag, newspaper or compostable liner.
Remove packaging
Food waste can go in, but plastic food wrapping, packaging, cardboard, oils and liquids should not.
Use the outdoor bin
Transfer food waste to the larger outdoor food waste bin and put it out by 6am next to the recycling boxes.
| Yes food waste | No food waste | Why this helps |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked and uncooked food waste, bones, carcasses, bread, pasta, rice, cereals, cheese, dairy, fruit, vegetables, peelings, meat, fish, tea bags, coffee grounds and uneaten pet food. | Plastic food wrapping, packaging, cardboard, garden waste, cut flowers, oils and liquids. | Food waste is heavy and can smell in the general waste bin. Weekly food waste collection keeps the main bin lighter and cleaner. |
General Waste: Wheeled Bins and Seagull-Proof Sacks
General waste should be the final route after recycling and food waste. Torbay’s wheeled bin and seagull-proof sack rules are similar, but sack users must tie waste in bags.
| Container | Use it for | Do not use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeled bin | Non-recyclable household waste such as polystyrene, black plastics, pet litter, nappies, hygiene waste, plastic wrapping and wrapped broken glass. | Food waste, recyclable items, garden waste, hazardous waste, clinical sharps, rubble, DIY waste, engine oil, paint, chemicals, bulky waste or electrical items. |
| Seagull-proof sack | General waste from properties not suitable for wheeled bins. Waste must be in tied bags so crews can lift it out safely. | Loose waste, food waste, recycling, garden waste, hazardous waste, rubble, DIY waste, bulky waste or clinical waste. |
Garden Waste: Brown Bin Subscription, Cost and Rules
Torbay garden waste is a paid brown-bin subscription. The council provides a 240-litre brown bin and collects every two weeks, usually on the alternate week to general waste.
| Garden waste point | Official detail | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Bin type | A 240-litre brown bin is supplied for subscribed garden waste. You can subscribe for up to three brown bins, with a fee for each bin. | Make sure you have room to store the brown bin within your property boundary. |
| Collection pattern | Every two weeks, usually on the alternate week to general waste. | Use the collection dates calendar sent after sign-up. |
| Christmas suspension | No garden waste collections for four weeks during the Christmas and New Year period. | Check your yearly calendar for the exact suspension dates. |
| Current fee | £51.80 per year per bin, or £41.80 per year if you receive Council Tax Support. | Check the live sign-up page before paying in case charges change. |
| Direct Debit | Torbay lists a Direct Debit option of £5.18 a month over 10 months for a full year of collections. | Choose annual payment or Direct Debit according to your budget. |
| Bin delivery | Torbay aims to deliver brown bins within 10 working days after receiving payment. | Do not put garden waste out until you have the brown bin and collection dates. |
Accepted garden waste
Grass cuttings, flowers, small tree branches up to 10cm thick, loose leaves, shrub trimmings, hedge trimmings and weeds.
Rejected garden waste
Commercial waste, contaminated waste, waste in another container, or garden waste left beside the brown bin.
Missed Collection: Report, Wait or Fix First?
Use this diagnosis before reporting. Torbay says to report after 6pm on collection day and within 2 full working days. The form may only show a missed-bin type once crews mark your property as complete.
New or Replacement Bins, Boxes, Bags and Stickers
Use Torbay’s new/replacement bin page if containers are missing, damaged or stolen. Do not submit a new order if you are chasing an existing order.
Recycling containers
Order recycling boxes, recycling box covers, food waste kitchen caddy, food waste bin, blue paper bag and pink battery bag.
General waste containers
Order a wheelie bin or seagull-proof sack if your property needs one.
Delivery target
Torbay says it aims to deliver new containers within 10 days. If an order has not arrived, call SWISCo on 01803 701310.
Bulky Waste: Items, Costs and Collection Days
Reuse, donate or take items to the recycling centre if possible. If you cannot, SWISCo can collect bulky items for a fee.
| Bulky waste point | Torbay detail | Resident action |
|---|---|---|
| Book and pay | Bulky collections must be booked online using a debit or credit card. | List every item correctly. Only booked items are collected. |
| Collection days | Torquay: Mondays and Thursdays. Paignton and Brixham: Tuesdays and Fridays. Collections are between 6am and 4pm. | Put items where you usually leave bins or nearest safe place a vehicle can park within your property. |
| Typical accepted items | Bed bases, mattresses, household furniture, wardrobes, sofas, chairs, white goods and electrical goods. | Check the live list before paying if your item is unusual. |
| Not collected | Hazardous waste, asbestos, flat/plate glass, broken mirrors, oil, paint, paving slabs, photocopiers and pianos. | Use another safe disposal route. |
| Current charges | First item £29, additional items £10.50, white goods £31 each, up to 8 refuse sacks £29, commercial fridges/freezers £87. Carpet and shed charges are calculated separately. | Confirm the current charge on the official page before paying. |
Tor Park Road Recycling Centre: Booking, Opening Times and Map
Torbay Household Waste Recycling Centre is at Tor Park Road, Paignton, TQ4 7PL. You need to book a slot before visiting.
| Tip detail | Current official rule | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Book a slot before visiting. You will receive an email confirming the date and time. | Arrive at your booked time and cancel via the confirmation email if you cannot attend. |
| Opening times | Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm. Sunday closed. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing. | If booked into the final 3.50pm slot, arrive before 3.55pm. |
| Closed days | Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Open on bank holidays. | Check official notices before festive or bank holiday visits. |
| Visit limits | Mixed waste and recycling is limited to four visits per 28 days; garden waste only up to six visits per 28 days. | Plan clear-outs and garden jobs before booking multiple slots. |
| DIY waste | A limited free allowance of DIY waste is accepted; larger amounts may need payment by card at the site. | Check the official household waste page before loading DIY waste. |
Assisted Collections, Flats, Clinical Waste and Sharps
These services use special routes. Do not put sharps, clinical waste or bulky items in normal bins.
Assisted collection
If mobility difficulties or an impairment mean you cannot safely carry containers to the kerbside, and no one in your household can help, you can request assisted collection.
Flats and communal bins
Blocks with more than 10 units usually have communal recycling bins in a designated area. Frequency depends on property location.
Clinical waste and sharps
Torbay collects certain domestic clinical waste. Sharps must go into a sharps container and should never be put in ordinary bins.
Common Failed Collection Warnings
If your container was not emptied, check these issues before reporting it as missed.
Late set-out
If containers were not out by 6am, it is usually not treated as a council missed collection.
Wrong materials
Wrong items in boxes, bags, bins or brown garden waste bins can stop collection.
Too heavy
Bins, sacks or garden waste bins that are too heavy can be unsafe and may not be collected.
Blocked access
Blocked roads, parked vehicles, restricted lanes and roadworks can delay or prevent collection.
Bad weather
Weather can stop or delay collection. Follow any official delay notice before reporting.
Wrong location
Containers should be at the property boundary and accessible from the adopted public highway.
Local Torbay Tips for Coastal Streets and Seagull Areas
These habits help in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham and coastal streets where wind, gulls, narrow roads and holiday traffic can make collection day harder.
Use box covers or nets
They help stop recycling from blowing across pavements and roads before crews arrive.
Bag seagull sack waste
Loose waste in seagull-proof sacks makes collection harder and can cause refusal.
Do not block pavements
Put containers out for collection but do not store them on the highway between collections.
Use food waste weekly
It keeps weight and smell out of the general waste bin.
Flatten cardboard early
Do not leave loose cardboard blowing around on collection morning.
Check delays before reporting
If recycling is delayed, leave containers out and follow the latest official instruction.
Checklist Before Leaving Home on Collection Day
Use this before work, school run, holiday travel or helping someone else with their bins.
- Official Torbay collection date checked.
- Containers placed at the property boundary by 6am.
- Orange box, green box and blue paper bag sorted correctly.
- Food waste in the larger outdoor food waste bin, not just the kitchen caddy.
- Wheeled bin lid fully closed with no waste on the lid or floor.
- Seagull-proof sack waste tied in bags.
- Brown garden waste subscription active if using garden waste collection.
- Brown bin contains accepted garden waste only.
- Access is not blocked by gates, parked cars, roadworks or restricted roads.
- Tor Park Road tip slot booked if taking extra waste.
Contact-Help Box: What to Say to SWISCo
Use this script if you need help with a Torbay waste issue. SWISCo contact details shown on Torbay pages are info@swisco.co.uk and 01803 701310.
Copy this simple message
Hello, I need help with a Torbay waste collection issue.
My address is: [add full address]. My area is: [Torquay / Paignton / Brixham / other].
The service is: [recycling / food waste / wheeled bin / seagull sack / garden waste / bulky waste / clinical waste].
The scheduled collection date was: [add date]. The containers were out by 6am at the boundary and accessible from the public highway.
The problem is: [missed collection / missing container / damaged container / wrong calendar / reported but not collected after 2 working days].
Official Torbay Bin Collection Links
Use these official links for final actions. This guide explains the process, but Torbay Council and SWISCo control dates, forms, reports, bookings and service updates.
When is my bin collected?
Official page for checking Torbay collection days.
Missed collection
Report missed rubbish, recycling, food waste, clinical or garden waste collections.
Recycling boxes and blue bag
Official orange-sticker, green-sticker and blue paper bag sorting guidance.
Food waste bins
Official weekly food waste collection guidance.
Garden waste subscription
Brown-bin sign-up, cost, collection pattern and accepted garden waste.
Book the recycling centre
Book a slot at Tor Park Road Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Torbay Council Bin Collection FAQs
How do I check my Torbay bin collection day?
Use Torbay Council’s official “When is my bin collected?” page. It links to the collection date service for waste and recycling services in Torbay.
What time should I put bins out in Torbay?
Put recycling boxes, the blue paper bag, food waste bin, wheeled bin or seagull-proof bag at the edge of your property by 6am on collection day.
How often is recycling collected in Torbay?
Torbay empties recycling boxes, the blue paper bag and food waste containers weekly. Recycling should be separated into the correct container.
How often is general waste collected in Torbay?
Most households have a wheeled bin for non-recyclable rubbish, collected fortnightly. Properties not suitable for wheeled bins may use seagull-proof sacks and usually receive weekly collection.
What goes in Torbay’s orange-sticker recycling box?
The orange-sticker box is used for flattened cardboard, brown paper, brown envelopes, egg boxes, glass bottles and jars, labelled cooking oil, labelled engine oil and small electricals in a labelled carrier bag.
What goes in Torbay’s green-sticker recycling box?
The green-sticker box is used for plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, foil, tins, empty aerosols, household batteries and clean dry textiles.
What goes in the blue paper bag in Torbay?
The blue paper bag is for paper such as newspapers, magazines, catalogues, white envelopes, directories, leaflets, junk mail and coloured paper. Brown paper and brown envelopes go with cardboard.
How do I report a missed bin in Torbay?
Report after 6pm on the collection day and within 2 full working days. If the form does not show the missed-bin type, the crew may not have marked your property as complete yet.
How much is Torbay garden waste collection?
Torbay lists the garden waste charge as £51.80 per year per bin, or £41.80 if you receive Council Tax Support. The Direct Debit option is listed as £5.18 a month over 10 months for a full year’s collections.
Where is Torbay’s recycling centre?
Torbay’s Household Waste Recycling Centre is at Tor Park Road, Paignton, TQ4 7PL. You need to book a slot before visiting.
How much is Torbay bulky waste collection?
Torbay lists bulky waste charges including first item £29, additional items £10.50, white goods £31 each, up to 8 refuse sacks £29, and commercial fridges/freezers £87. Check the official page before booking.
Who do I contact about Torbay waste collections?
SWISCo’s contact details shown on Torbay pages are info@swisco.co.uk and 01803 701310. If a reported missed collection has not been collected within 2 full working days, call SWISCo.
Is this page operated by Torbay Council?
No. This is an independent resident guide. Torbay Council and SWISCo remain the final source for collection dates, missed-bin reports, subscriptions, bookings, container orders and service updates.