Gull proof sacks are strong reusable sacks which are used to collect non-recyclable waste and dry mixed recycling in some streets in the World Heritage Site.
They
- help protect your waste from gulls
- are used alongside other collections of glass and food
- are collected on specific collection days from 6am
Updated service - 2026
We are upgrading this service to make recycling easier for residents. This is following a trial of green gull proof sacks for dry mixed recycling in several streets. Residents will be contacted soon about this via letter.
The refreshed service will include:
- one (smaller) black gull proof sack for non-recyclable waste
- one green gull proof sack for dry mixed recycling
- one black plastic box for glass recycling, small electronics and batteries
- an indoor and outdoor food waste caddy
You should
- only put your sacks out for collection on specific days, by 6am
- bring your sack inside after it's been emptied
- use the ties on the sacks to fasten them to something solid, like railings, so they don’t blow away
- make sure your waste is bagged within the sacks (any colour of bags for non-recyclable waste, clear bags for dry mixed recycling)
- not use bins in nearby streets to dispose your waste as this causes overflow
- ensure all sharp objects are well wrapped and not protruding from any bags
- flatten larger cardboard and either tie or place inside another carboard box next to the green gull proof sack on collection day
- not leave other loose items or use small bags as they won't be uplifted.
What to put in each gull proof sack, box or caddy
Black gull proof sack: non-recyclable waste
This sack is only for household waste that can't be recycled. All waste must be bagged within the sack.
Green gull proof sack: dry mixed recycling
You can put
- paper and unwanted mail
- cardboard
- drinks cartons (such as Tetrapak type)
- clean plastic bottles with tops, pots, tubs and trays
- clean cans, tins, foil and empty aerosols
- envelopes
in your green gull proof sacks.
You can't put
- paper towels
- plastic plant pots and toys
- polystyrene
- glass
- batteries and small electrical items
- plastic bags (aside from the liner), wrappers, crisp bags and clingfilm
in your green gull proof sack.
All recycling must be within clear plastic bags. You can purchase more clear plastic bags from Stockbridge Library, McDonald Road Library or Central Library for £3 a roll. You can also use other clear plastic bags which are available online or in local supermarkets.
Find out more about recycling plastics
Find out more about where to take soft plastic recycling
Recycling box: glass and small electricals
You can put
- glass bottles and jars
- small electrical items placed on top or next to the box, for example, hairdryers and toasters
- household batteries placed inside a clear bag and on top of the box
- clothing, towels, clean sheets, pairs of shoes, placed inside a plastic bag
in your box.
You can't put
- light bulbs, glass dishes, broken glass, ceramics and pyrex
- large electrical items, for example microwaves or larger items
- duvets and pillows
in your box.
Grey food bin: cooked and uncooked food
You can put
- beans, pasta, rice and bread
- cakes and bakery items
- dairy items, eggs
- fruit and vegetables including peelings
- meat and fish including bones
- fast food, for example, chips and pizzas
- tea bags and coffee grounds
in your grey kitchen caddy.
Food must be bagged. You can use compostable liners or any small plastic bag, such as a carrier bag or a bread bag. Liners are available at libraries for £1 per roll or at supermarkets.
You can't put
- liquids including milk and cooking oil
- food packaging
in your grey kitchen caddy. Transfer this to your grey kerbside food bin and present it on the kerbside on your collection day each week. .
.
Download our food recycling leaflet
Collection days
Non-recyclable waste and food waste are collected weekly whilst dry mixed recycling, glass, small electronics and batteries are collected fortnightly. Dry mixed recycling collections will be increased to weekly in early 2027, and we will contact residents ahead of this.
If you are on one of the trial streets, your green sacks will still be collected weekly.
You can find your collection days on our webpage.
Bulky waste
All larger bulky waste should be taken to one of our recycling centres or residents can arrange uplifts. Request a collection of household bulky waste items
Electronic waste
You can put small electrical items like kettles and toasters in a carrier bag on top of or next to your glass recycling box. As a guide, we can accept items smaller than a microwave. Larger appliances can be taken to our recycling centres or residents `can arrange uplifts using the same link above. Many shops that sell electronics and/or appliances will also recycle used items.
Batteries can also be put on top of your glass recycling box, in a clear bag. A freezer bag is ideal for this. Just make sure they’re visible to the collection crews.
Never put vapes in any household or street litter bins. They contain poisonous nicotine liquid and the lithium-ion batteries cause fires when crushed. You can take vapes to be recycled at our recycling centres, vape stores and some supermarkets.
More information about recycling electricals, batteries, vapes and cables is available at the following webpage
Assisted collections
We offer assisted collections for those with a disability or medical condition that are unable to present their sacks. Request an assisted bin collection
More information
We have general information about reducing, reusing and recycling items on our Reduce, reuse and recycle webpage.
You can request new boxes, caddies and sacks through the online forms.