Bins and recycling

What’s changing from Monday 7 September 2026

New bin collection days

We’re changing which days we collect your bins.

This change applies to everyone.

Here are 2 ways you can see your new collection days:

• check your printed bin collection schedule we sent you in the post along with a letter explaining the changes (these started arriving from Tuesday 18 August)
• look up your new bin collection days online (from Monday 7 September 2026).

if you use iCalendar, you’ll need to download your new collection days after this date.

We're unable to provide collection information for flats with bulk bins.

Different collection days for grey and recycling bins

Most homes will have two bin collection days instead of one:

• your blue, green or brown recycling bin will be collected on one day
• your grey general waste bin will be collected on a different day.

The letter we sent you in the post will tell you if this applies to you.

If your home already has different collection days for your grey and recycling bins, check your new collection schedule as your collection days may have changed.

This does not apply to:

• flats with bulk bins
• flats where people share wheelie bins
• flats with a building caretaker who puts the bins out
• homes with sack collections (instead of wheelie bins).

Bin collection frequency

For most people, how often we collect your bins is not changing.

There are around 1500 homes in difficult to reach locations we’re able to move onto our standard collection frequency. The letter we sent you in the post will tell you if this applies to you.

Other information

Assisted bin collection

If you get help to take your bins out, this service will continue as usual on your new schedule, and you do not need to do anything.

Catch-up grey bin collection

We’re providing a one-time, grey bin collection to some homes to help avoid general waste building up. It’s only for homes who would otherwise be waiting more than 4 weeks for a grey bin collection as we start new collections. 

They are taking place from 1 to 12 September 2026 and the letter we sent you will tell you if you’re receiving this, with the one-time collection included in the printed collection schedule.

Blue bin collections

We're helping you as new collections start.

As a one-off measure during the first week of blue bin collections (week beginning Monday 21 September), you can place up to two cardboard boxes containing paper and cardboard recycling beside your blue bin for collection.

You can also store extra paper and cardboard recycling until your next collection date or take it to one of our household waste recycling centres, open every day from 8am to 6pm.

Weekly food waste caddy collection

If you have a weekly food waste caddy collection, check your collection schedule for your new collection day.

Additional grey bin collection

If you have an additional grey bin collection every week, you’ll get two letters:

• your first letter will confirm your new bin collection days and provide your printed schedule
• your second letter will confirm your additional grey bin collection day.

We’re unable to include your additional grey bin collection on your printed schedule.

When it’s changing

These changes start from Monday 7 September 2026.

Why we’re making these changes

We’re making these changes to improve and modernise our bin collection service. 

They’ll mean: 

• fewer bins to put out on each collection day 
• clearer pavements, making it easier for people to get around 
• we'll be on the most effective routes, reducing carbon emissions and fuel costs.

Contact us if you have any questions or if you need this information in another language or format such as large print, easy read, audio recording or braille.

What the new rules are

The rules are changing for how you can store your commercial waste in Paisley town centre.

Under the new rules:

• commercial waste containers cannot be permanently stored on pavements or roads
• waste contractors need to have a permit for placing containers on roads
• waste must only be on pavements or roads while awaiting collection
• collection windows will be 7am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm
• waste must not be left out overnight
• containers must be labelled with business name and collection times
• waste containers must be placed for collection as close to your premises as possible and must not obstruct pedestrians, wheelchairs, prams, or road users
• if waste is not collected within the window, it must be removed and placed back in your premises, and you’ll need to contact your waste contractor about a missed collection
• you must present your waste during your collection window even if your business is not open during that time.

Who the rules apply to

This applies to all organisations in Paisley town centre that produce commercial waste.
Commercial waste is general waste and recycling that does not come from private homes. It comes from organisations such as:

• businesses
• charities
• community organisations
• public sector bodies.

It’s your responsibility to find a waste contractor that will collect your waste within the collection window.

You can hire a private company or the council to collect your waste.
The rules will not affect you if your commercial waste is collected from within your building or on private land.

Find out more about commercial waste with Renfrewshire Council.

Map of the area with the new rules

When the rules will start

The new rules:

• start on 1 September 2026
• will have a 1-month ‘soft launch’, during which we’ll help organisations adjust to the changes
• will be enforced from 1 October 2026, including issuing penalties for failing to comply.

Over the summer, we’ll engage with Paisley First and affected organisations in Paisley town centre to discuss what the new rules mean and to support you through the changes.

What you need to do to prepare

Speak to your waste contractor

You need to speak to your waste contractor – either a private company or the council – to make sure they can still collect your waste effectively. This includes any food waste, which is subject to the same rules as other types of commercial waste.

Depending on your location, storage space, and how much waste your organisation produces, your waste contractor might suggest adaptations such as smaller bins, more frequent collections, or collections from inside your business.

You should speak to your waste contractor before the new rules start so you have time to prepare.

Properly store any food waste

Food waste will be subject to the same rules as any other type of waste. If you need to store food waste in your property, you may need to use pest-proof containers to comply with food hygiene regulations. You should store food waste away from food-handling areas and make sure the waste is collected regularly.

Check if your costs will change

We understand that this may change your waste collection costs. This is something you’ll need to plan for. Speak to your waste contractor if you have any concerns.

Find out how to analyse the waste you produce and potentially lower your costs (Zero Waste Scotland website).

What will happen if you do not comply with the rules

We’ll work with you as much as possible to help you comply with the new rules.

We’ll start enforcing the rules on 1 October 2026.

From this date, you could get a fine of up to £500 and be reported to the procurator fiscal if you store your bins and sacks on the street or pavement during times other than your collection window.

Why we’re making these changes

Improving Paisley town centre

We support private waste contractors operating in Paisley. However, there are now over 1,000 commercial bins left out in the town centre. These bins do not look nice, and they can contribute to:

• litter and spillages
• fly-tipping
• vermin and pest issues
• blocked pavements and accessibility problems
• safety risks for pedestrians and road users.

The new rules aim to:

• improve the appearance of the town centre
• reduce the number of commercial bins on public streets
• create a cleaner and more welcoming environment
• improve accessibility and public safety
• encourage waste reduction and increased recycling.

Overall, the changes will help us reduce stray litter and make our streets cleaner and safer. They’re one of the ways we’re working with the community to improve the look of Paisley town centre, which will benefit residents, businesses, and visitors by making our public spaces more welcoming for people to spend time in the town.

Learning from other councils

Similar changes have been made in other places, such as Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee where the changes have provided long term benefits. We’ve informed our approach by learning from what other councils have done and by engaging with the local community before making the changes.

Contact us if you have any questions about the new rules.

What contamination is

Contamination happens when items are put in the wrong recycling bin. For example, non-recyclable materials, dirty items or items containing food or liquids. 

How to prevent contamination

When bins become contaminated, it can result in recyclable items being sent to landfill. To help prevent this and to ensure we can recycle and reuse where possible, it’s important to put the right items in the right bin.  

If you’re not sure what goes where, check what goes in your bins or rubbish sacks. 

Batteries and vapes 

Batteries and vapes should not be put in household bins. Instead, you can recycle them at your local household waste recycling centre where we have dedicated bins for them. 

These items can cause fires or explosions in our waste vehicles or at household waste recycling centres when put in the wrong bin. This endangers collection crews and waste staff.  

Find out what you can take to your local household waste recycling centre. 

What happens to your waste

Non-recyclable waste – grey bin or black sack 

After we collect grey bins or black sacks, the waste is put into larger containers at the facility in Linwood before being shredded at Bargeddie Materials Recovery Facility. We remove any recyclable items, which are then sent to contractors for recycling. 

Non-recyclable waste is transported to the Energy Recovery Facility in Dunbar. Here it is incinerated to generate heat, which fuels local energy networks. 

Recyclable waste – blue bin or blue sack, green bin or green sack 

After we collect recycling, the waste is put into large containers at local facilities in Inchinnan and Paisley. It’s then taken to a recycling plant where contaminated or incorrect items are removed. This job is done by hand while the waste is on a conveyor belt. 

Once incorrect items have been removed, the waste is then sorted by type. All recycled waste is then sent to the reprocessors where recycled materials are broken down and made into new items. 

Recyclable waste – brown bin 

After we collect food and garden waste, it’s put into large containers at the local facility in Linwood. The waste is then taken to a composting facility where incorrect or contaminated items are removed. This is done by hand at picking stations. 

The waste is then shredded before it’s loaded into a container where heat and bacteria break it down. The thick compost is then stored and turned before being shredded again.  

If you’re unable to put your bins out, we may be able to help.

We can:

• take your bins out on your collection day
• empty them
• return them to a specific location on your property.
   

We can help if you:

• are unable to take your bins out yourself due to a physical or medical condition
• do not have anyone physically able in your household aged 14 or over
• do not have someone you can ask for help, such as a neighbour or a relative.

Once you apply, a council officer might arrange to visit you to confirm that you’re eligible. We can only offer this service to people who need it.

You can apply for yourself, or you can ask someone else (such as a neighbour or a relative) to apply on your behalf.

If applying online, you or the person applying on your behalf will need an email address.

You’ll need to tell us:

• your age
• any medical conditions
• if you’re registered as disabled
• if you live with anyone aged 14 or over and why they cannot put the bins out
• where you store your bins and any details about steps, gates, and path surfaces.

You'll need to give us:

• proof of date of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport
• proof of address, such as a utility bill or appointment letters from a hospital, GP, or dentist.

You’ll also need to give us either:

• a supporting letter from a social worker, paid carer, health worker, or housing officer
• evidence of a medical condition.

Acceptable evidence of a medical condition could include one of the following:

• proof that you receive benefits such as:
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – mobility element
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – mobility element
  • Adult Disability Payment (ADP) – mobility element
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – for physical and mobility health issues
  • Universal Credit – limited capability for work related activity element
  • Pension Age Disability Payment  
  • Attendance Allowance
• hospital or GP letters detailing the condition
• NHS delivery notes for support equipment
• personal receipts for purchased support equipment as well as both of these.

You’ll be able to upload your evidence when you apply using the online form. If you prefer, you can send us photocopies of your evidence by post instead:

Apply for help to take your bins out

If you do not want to apply online, you can apply by phoning us on 0300 300 0300.

It will take up to 10 days for us to review your application.

We’ll send you a letter in the post to confirm that we’ve approved your application. This letter will also include some “Assisted Collection” stickers for you to stick on your bins. These stickers will help our bin collectors know which bins you’d like them to collect.

Your assisted collection service will begin within 2 weeks of the date shown on your approval letter.

Make sure to store your bins in a location where our bin collectors can access them. Any gates should be unlocked and in good working condition. Any dogs should be secured somewhere else to help keep our bin collectors safe.

Annual review

We review all assisted collections each year. You’ll need to tell us if your circumstances change and you no longer need help to take your bins out.

Moving house

If you move house, you need to tell us so we can update our records.

This service is free.

Once you subscribe using your email address, we’ll send you an email reminder the day before each of your bin collection days.

Right now, you can subscribe to reminders for only 1 address at a time. You'll be able to subscribe to reminders for multiple addresses later in 2026.

If you live in Renfrewshire, you can subscribe to our bin collection email reminders.

These email reminders are for homes where you put your own bins out, including if someone helps you do this. They’re not for flats with shared bins or businesses.

You can subscribe to bin collection email reminders on our website.

1. Select the button below to view our bin collection day page.
2. Search for your postcode.
3. Select your address from the list.
4. In the section called ‘Get bin collection email reminders’, enter your email address to subscribe to reminders for that collection address.

Subscribe to bin collection email reminders
 

Once you subscribe using your email address, we’ll send you an email reminder the day before each of your bin collection days.

If you’re not getting the reminders in your inbox, they could be in your spam folder.

You can unsubscribe from the email reminders on our website:

Unsubscribe from bin collection email reminders

You can donate laptops, tablets and phones that are less than 10 years old and in good condition by bringing them to one of these Renfrewshire libraries:

• Paisley Central Library
• Johnstone Library
• Renfrew Library
• Ferguslie Park Library.

View library addresses and opening hours

Library staff will give all donated devices to Pachedu, our partner organisation for this recycling programme. Then, the staff at Pachedu will:

• securely wipe (factory reset) all devices
• refurbish them
• give them to people in Renfrewshire who need them.

Donating unwanted laptops, tablets and phones helps reduce waste and helps people in need.

Make sure any laptops, tablets or phones you want to donate are less than 10 years old and in good condition.

If your devices are more than 10 years old, look for another way to donate or sell your device, or you can recycle them at one of our household waste recycling centres. 

We cannot accept a device that has a swollen battery. If your device has a swollen battery or is showing signs of this, you can recycle them at one of our household waste recycling centres.

Find out how to recycle other types of small electric appliances – such as kitchen appliances, children’s toys, or power cords and plugs – at our libraries’ WEEE Banks instead.

Personal data removal

Before donating, please ensure all personal data has been erased from your device. This include files, photos, saved passwords, and any linked accounts. You can do this using the relevant link below:

• Reset your Windows device (Microsoft.com)
• Reset your Apple device - iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch (Apple.com)
• Reset your Apple Mac (Apple.com)
• Reset your Android device (Android.com)

The device will also be securely wiped in a professional manner by Pachedu.

Please do not donate your device until you have reset it. If you donate it and it has a lock or password on it, Pachedu will not be able to securely wipe it and will not be able to refurbish it.

First, fill in this online form:

Donate a laptop, tablet or phone

Then, bring your device to one of these Renfrewshire libraries and speak to the library staff at the counter:

• Paisley Central Library
• Johnstone Library
• Renfrew Library
• Ferguslie Park Library.

If you have lots of devices to donate, contact Pachedu directly – they’ll be able to arrange a collection with you:

• phone 07554 942791
• email esther.misajel@pachedu.org.

We cannot return donated devices to you once you’ve left them with our library staff for recycling.

The staff at Pachedu will securely wipe (factory reset) all devices, refurbish them, and give them to people in Renfrewshire who need them.

If you donated a device that has a lock or password on it, Pachedu will not be able to securely wipe it and will not be able to refurbish it. See the information above on how to reset your device.

For more information, contact Pachedu by:

• phone 07554 942791
• email esther.misajel@pachedu.org.

Library staff in the 4 participating libraries will also be able to help.

Where our household waste recycling centres are

If you're a Renfrewshire resident, you can recycle and dispose of a range of household waste materials at our 5 recycling centres.

Our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) are at:

• Erskine, Barrhill Road, PA8 6BU
• Johnstone, Miller Street, PA5 8HP
• Linwood, Middleton Road, PA3 3DP
• Paisley, Underwood Road, PA3 1TL
• Renfrew, Haining Road, PA4 0AJ.

Opening hours

Our centres are open 7 days a week, from 8am to 6pm (last entry 5:45pm).

What vehicles you can use

You can only bring your car into our recycling centres, except our Linwood centre, where you can bring larger vehicles such as vans, pickups, and trailers.

You'll need to apply for a permit to visit our Linwood centre with a van, pickup or trailer.

What to expect when you arrive

Find out what you can dispose of at our recycling centres.

When you arrive at our recycling centres, you'll need to provide:

• proof that you're a Renfrewshire resident, such as a council tax or utility bill
• photo identification, such as your driving licence.

If you do not have these, you will not be able to enter the recycling centre.

If you want to visit our Linwood household waste recycling centre with a van, pickup or trailer, you will need to apply for a permit in advance.

You do not need a permit if you are visiting any of our recycling centres in a car.

You cannot remove any items from our recycling centres.

Other options

You have other options even if you do not have a car and cannot access our recycling centres.

Check your bin collection day and find out what can go in your bins.

If you have items that are too big to fit in your bins, you can arrange for us to collect them from your home.

If you did the building or renovation work yourself

If you did the building or renovation work yourself, you can bring certain amounts of DIY waste to our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs):

Non-recyclable DIY waste

Non-recyclable DIY waste is limited to 2 x 50-litre bags at all HWRCs.

Recyclable DIY waste

Recyclable DIY waste includes materials such as wood and scrap metal.

Soil must be separated from stones and other rubble to be considered recyclable DIY waste. Otherwise, it is non-recyclable.

Different HWRCs have different rules about how much waste you can bring:

• Erskine, Paisley, and Renfrew HWRCs: you can bring an unlimited about of recyclable DIY waste.
• Linwood HWRC: limited to 8 x 50-litre bags of recyclable DIY waste.
• Johnstone HWRC: you can bring an unlimited amount of recyclable DIY waste, except for wood, which you cannot bring to this HWRC. You can bring wood to any of the other HWRCs.

You do not actually have to bag all of your waste. The 50-litre bag reference is just so you know the size or volume of waste you can bring to each HWRC.

We cannot take plasterboard at any of our HWRCs. See what you can dispose of at our HWRCs.

If you paid someone to do the building or renovation work

If you paid someone to do the building or renovation work, such as a joiner or other tradesperson, you cannot bring this DIY waste to our household waste recycling centres.

The person who did the work is legally responsible for removing the waste from your site as part of their service to you.

Other options

If you did the building or renovation work yourself, you can order a bulky waste collection from your home.

You can hire a skip or use a private waste disposal contractor to remove your DIY waste.

See a list of registered waste carriers and brokers (SEPA website).

You could also post your building materials on social media or online marketplaces to see if someone wants to collect them for free.

If you have any questions, contact us:

• phone 0300 300 0300
• email customerservices.contact@renfrewshire.gov.uk.

DIY waste is waste created when doing building or renovation work in your home or garden.

According to law, DIY waste is considered 'non-household waste'. For that reason, we do not collect this type of waste from your home.

You can order a free replacement if you need new stickers for your bins that list what can go in each bin.

Order new stickers for your bins online.

You can download or order a printed schedule showing your bin collection days if you need one.

Here are the fastest ways to find out your bin collections days.

Enter your postcode using our online bin collection day checker. You'll be able to:

• see your next bin collection days
• download a PDF bin collection schedule and print it yourself – if you have access to a printer
• download a digital schedule – if you use a calendar app such as Outlook or Google Calendar.

Check your bin collection days online

You can also subscribe to bin collection email reminders. We’ll send you an email reminder the day before each of your bin collection days.

Subscribe to bin collection email reminders

If you've tried the options above and would still like to order a printed schedule, you can order one online.

Once we've processed your order, we’ll send your schedule to you in the post. If we get lots of orders at once, it may take a while for your schedule to arrive.

Order a printed bin schedule