Around 30,000 tonnes of waste is collected every year from the black bins in Ipswich. That’s an average of 500 kgs (half a tonne) of waste from each home in Ipswich. The waste goes to a local Energy from Waste plant, to produce electricity, however some of that waste could have been recycled or composted.

To help minimise the amount of waste you put in your black bin, please check what can go in your blue bin and your brown bin and make sure that you recycle as much as you can.

Remember, wherever you can, please Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Black bins come in two sizes: small (140 litres) or medium (180 litres). Let us know if you would like to change the size of your bin.

Your black bin is emptied once a fortnight on your normal collection week. You can use our online tool to find out when the bins will next be emptied in your street:

• When will my bin next be emptied?

Please help us by making sure that you put your bin out for collection at the right time and in the right place. Find out more on our Where to put your bin page.

Please do not:

• put your bin out with the lid wedged open - this can cause serious accidents and it creates a health and safety hazard with the vehicle lifting machinery;
• put any heavy objects in your bin - these can cause the bin to fall off the lifting frame at the rear of the vehicle which can cause accidents;
• overfill your bin – this makes it difficult to handle and could cause injury;
• leave extra bags beside your bin - these will not be collected.

Find out more about your waste collection by downloading the guidance document below:

• Household waste collection arrangements and guidance

What to put in your black bin

Your black bin is for any waste that cannot be either recycled or composted.

YES please!

• Cooked food
• Meat, fish and bones
• Shredded paper (if you do not have a home compost bin)
• Egg shells
• Egg boxes
• Polystyrene
• Plastic film such as cellophane and plastic bags (larger supermarkets may accept for recycling, check locally)
• Tetra- Pak type liquid food and drink cartons (these can also be recycled at your Household Waste Recycling Centre)
• Nappies and sanitary items
• Porcelain and ceramics
• Crisp packets and sweet wrappers

NO thank you - please take to your Household Waste Recycling Centre:

• Tiles and general DIY waste
• Electrical items (can be taken to your local WEEE bank)
• Rubble
• Bricks
• Soil
• Stones

Please remember to recycle small electrical items, glass and clothing at your local Household Waste Recycling Centres, or local recycling facility Recycling Points to help reduce your waste.

Where does your black bin rubbish go? www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk/learning-zone/where-rubbish-goes