Keeping Camden Bin Collection streets clean starts with understanding how bin collections work. Many residents struggle with missed pickups, overflowing bins, or confusion around recycling rules. But with a few simple tricks, you can ensure your waste is collected on time and help maintain a cleaner neighbourhood.
Understanding Camden’s Bin Collection Schedule
The first step to hassle-free waste disposal is knowing your collection days. Camden Council operates on a weekly or fortnightly schedule, depending on your property type. Most households have:
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General waste (black bins) – Collected weekly
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Recycling (green bins) – Collected fortnightly
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Food waste (small caddies) – Collected weekly
To avoid missed collections, check Camden Council’s official website or download their collection calendar. Setting a reminder on your phone can help you never forget bin day.
Sorting Your Waste Correctly
One of the biggest reasons bins aren’t collected is contamination. If recycling contains food waste or non-recyclable materials, the entire bin might be left behind. Here’s how to sort waste properly:
What Goes in General Waste (Black Bin)
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Non-recyclable plastics (cling film, polystyrene)
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Used tissues and paper towels
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Broken glass (wrapped safely)
What Goes in Recycling (Green Bin)
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Clean paper and cardboard
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Plastic bottles (rinsed)
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Glass jars and bottles
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Metal cans and tins
What Goes in Food Waste (Small Caddy)
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Eggshells
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Tea bags and coffee grounds
Never put plastic bags in recycling—they clog sorting machines. Use a reusable container or compostable liner for food waste instead.
Avoiding Overflowing Bins
If your bin is constantly full before collection day, consider these tips:
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Compact recyclables – Flatten cardboard boxes and crush plastic bottles.
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Reduce food waste – Plan meals to minimise leftovers.
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Use communal bins – If you live in a flat, check if there are shared bins to avoid overcrowding.
For large households, you can request a bigger bin from Camden Council, but ensure you’re not exceeding limits—overfilled bins may not be collected.
Dealing with Missed Collections
Even with the best planning, sometimes bins get missed. Here’s what to do:
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Check for notices – Sometimes crews leave stickers explaining why a bin wasn’t taken.
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Report it online – Camden Council allows you to report missed collections within 24 hours.
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Store waste properly – If your bin isn’t emptied, keep extra waste in sacks until the next collection.
Never dump excess rubbish on the street—this attracts pests and leads to fines.
Bulky Waste and Special Collections
Got old furniture, mattresses, or large appliances? Don’t leave them beside your bin. Camden offers bulky waste collections for a small fee. Book online, and they’ll pick it up from your doorstep. Alternatively, donate usable items to local charities like the British Heart Foundation.
Reducing Waste in Camden
The best way to keep streets clean is to produce less waste. Try these eco-friendly swaps:
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Reusable shopping bags – Avoid single-use plastics.
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Composting – Turn food scraps into garden nutrients.
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Repair before replacing – Fix broken items instead of tossing them.
Final Tips for a Cleaner Camden
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Rinse recyclables – Dirty containers can contaminate whole batches.
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Secure your bins – High winds can scatter rubbish—use bungee cords if needed.
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Report fly-tipping – Illegal dumping ruins streets—report it to Camden Council.
By following these simple steps, you’ll help keep Camden tidy and make bin collection day stress-free. For more waste clearance tips, visit Yess Clearance—your local experts in efficient rubbish removal.