Order recycling containers and bags

How much does it cost to get a recycling box, caddy or bag?

A small delivery charge of £4.99 per item (reduced to £2.99 per item for residents in receipt of certain benefits) applies. From 1 January 2025, this will be reduced to £4.99 for up to three items and £9.98 for up to six items; for those residents in receipt of some benefits the delivery charge is reduced to £2.99 for up to three items and £5.98 for up to six items.

Charges may increase annually in line with inflation for all receptacles which will also contribute to the administrative costs associated with receptacle orders.  We hope to deliver all items ordered as soon as possible however sometimes it may take four to six weeks dependent on stock levels and other operational considerations.

Why are you introducing a charge when they have always been free for residents? 

Since 2011, the council has funded a comprehensive kerbside sort recycling collection service for residents and provided all the necessary recycling boxes, bags and caddies free of charge. The service was further enhanced in October 2017 allowing majority of residents to recycle plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays; aluminium and steel cans; glass; cardboard; paper; small electrical items; batteries and textiles. Cheltenham was the first council to sign up to the kerbside coffee pod collection (Podback) which has been successfully operating at no cost to the tax payer since October 2021 recycling approximately 4.5 million coffee pods thanks to the support of residents.

The council currently provides all residents with waste and recycling receptacles free of charge however the annual cost of this is approximately £211,500 per year.  It is nearly seven years after Cheltenham’s kerbside sort service was further enhanced by the introduction of more items which can be recycled and by now majority of residents are familiar with the service and have adequate waste and recycling receptacles with only an occasional need to replace an item. 

In common with many other authorities, and in response to budget pressures following the higher cost of fuel, tyres, vehicle maintenance and labour, the council introduced a small delivery charge of £4.99 per item (reduced to £2.99 per item for residents in receipt of certain benefits) applies. From 1 January 2025, this will be reduced to £4.99 for up to three items and £9.98 for up to six items; for those residents in receipt of some benefits the delivery charge is reduced to £2.99 for up to three items and £5.98 for up to six items.Charges may increase annually in line with inflation for all receptacles which will also contribute to the administrative costs associated with receptacle orders. The council has launched a new online ordering form to take payment quickly and easily. 

I am not happy about the decision to introduce charges for receptacles, what can I do?

The council’s cabinet, made up of elected members, made the decision to introduce delivery charges at the cabinet meeting held on 23 July 2024. The council acknowledges that you may prefer not to pay for the delivery of receptacles however budget pressures required these charges to be introduced. As this is a policy decision, and there has been no service failure, we are unable to accept complaints under our corporate complaint policy. Any comments will be shared with the cabinet member for waste, recycling and public realm, so they can be taken into consideration at any future policy review.

Do other councils charge for delivery of receptacles?

Yes, many other authorities do, including one of our neighbouring authorities who charge £9.99.

My bin went in the back of the refuse vehicle, do I have to pay?

No, it is unfortunate but occasionally bins do get stuck on the bin lift mechanism and fall into the vehicle. Residents/landlords do not have to pay in these circumstances.

Do I have to pay for replacement recycling boxes to be delivered when Ubico crews broke them when returning my boxes at kerbside?

The Ubico crews will do their best to return all bins and boxes to the presentation point as carefully as they can however, they do need to work quickly to complete their rounds and occasionally a recycling box may get broken during the collection or returning it to kerbside. Please report any breakages you believe to be as a result of the crews and Ubico will check with their operatives.

My wheeled bin disappeared on collection day, do I have to pay for a new one?

If this is the first time it has happened you don’t have to pay for the new bin but will need to pay £4.99 (£2.99 if you are on benefits) for delivery.

My wheeled bin keeps going missing, do I have to pay for a new one?

If your bin has gone missing more than once in two years then, yes, you will need to pay £20 per bin plus the delivery charge.

I rent my house/flat and I need a new or replacement bin, do I have to pay?

No, you need to ask your landlord to request the new or replacement bin and they will need to pay online before we deliver the bin to you.

How do I order a new bin, recycling box, caddy or blue bag?

You need to order and pay for receptacles online. If you cannot do this on line please telephone 01242 262626 and customer services will be able to order and take the payment over the telephone. Please have your bank card ready.

Do garden waste customers have to pay the delivery charge?

Yes, the delivery charge is a one off to deliver the bin and is only payable once per bin.  The subscription for the bin is an annual charge.

I am on benefits how much do I have to pay?

For those residents in receipt of the benefits listed a reduced delivery charge of £2.99 per item will apply. This will be reduced to £2.99 for up to three items and £5.98 for up to six items from 1 January 2025. The benefits which will qualify for this reduced charge will be: Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit.

Which benefits do I need to be in receipt of to qualify for the reduced charge?

The benefits which will qualify for this reduced charge will be: Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Carers Allowance and Housing Benefit.

Will the delivery charges stay the same?

All charges will be subject to inflationary increases as part of the budget setting process.

I want more than one item, do I need to pay the delivery charge for each item?

Yes, the delivery charge is per item. Each item takes space on the vehicle and staff have to be paid to pick the item, load the vehicle, drive to the delivery location and unload the vehicle. Having reviewed the cost of the service and the number of items delivered, we estimate that it costs the council over £4 per item to deliver currently. This is why we are unable to offer a discounted delivery charge if you order more than one item.

I am a Cheltenham Borough Homes tenant (now part of the council), do I have to pay?

No, as a tenant you don’t have to pay, your landlord Cheltenham Borough Homes should be contacted by you and the council will agree any charges with them because as a landlord they are liable for the charges in most cases. If there are specific issues surrounding your bins and boxes, Cheltenham Borough Homes will contact you separately and in accordance with your tenancy agreement.