Waste statistics

The Council’s contractor collects rubbish from the red-lidded wheelie bins placed at the kerbside every second week. The standard sized rubbish wheelie bin is 140 litres. This is the maximum size available for rubbish.

On average, every fortnight 79% of rubbish bins were presented for collection in 2021/22. The average weight of a bin is 13.19 kg.

The Council’s contractor collects the organics (food and garden waste) from the green-lidded wheelie bins placed at the kerbside every week. The standard-sized organics wheelie bin is 80 litres. It is possible to request a 240 litre organics bin instead, for an additional annual charge.

On average, every week 63% of organics bins were presented for collection in 2021/22. The average weight of a bin is 10.8kg.

The Council’s contractor collects recycling (paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastic containers) from the yellow-lidded wheelie bins placed at kerbside every second week. The standard sized recycling bin is 240 litres. It is possible to request a second 240 litre recycling bin for an additional annual charge.

On average, 77% of properties presented wheelie bins were presented for collection in 2021/22. The average weight of a recycling bin was 8.67kg.

Waste audits are conducted every three years with data supplied to Ministry for the Environment (MfE). These audits show how our waste is diverted from landfill and identifies areas for improvement. 

Waste audited in 2018 and 2023 includes rubbish from:

• Christchurch kerbside collection red bins
• Rubbish dropped off at Council transfer stations 

Audited waste can be broken down as below: