The aim is to start a garden waste collection service around August time and once bedded in, household rubbish collections will move to fortnightly collections. 

Waste officers will carry out an assessment of your situation, providing advice on waste minimisation techniques. 

Ideally we will look to maintain existing collection days for both recycling and refuse. 

You will be able to recycle plastic and glass bottles, paper, white and grey card, brown cardboard, aluminium and steel cans, textiles and garden waste. 

Eligible households will be able to apply for a further 240 litre wheelie bin for their garden waste. Applications can be made by calling Waste Services on 696445 or by e-mail: refuse@douglas.gov.im 

If you currently generate the equivalent of one black bin bag (or more) of garden waste per week, during the growing season, you will be eligible to apply for a garden waste bin. 

Our method of collection for green waste will be the same as for household rubbish so ideally this needs to be placed in its own dedicated bin. If households do not have room for a garden waste bin, bagged garden waste will be accepted subject to assessment. 

This will also be carried out fortnightly with specific collection dates to be determined in due course. The service will run between February and October each year. Note: The Eastern Civic Amenity Site will continue to provide skips for garden waste if you prefer that option. 

You can put the following items in your garden waste bin : 

• Grass cuttings 
• Hedge cuttings 
• Leaves, bark and tree pruning’s 
• Twigs and small branches up to 5cm (2”) across. 
• Bedding from herbivore pets e.g. rabbits, guinea pigs 
• Cut flowers 
• Plants and weeds 

The UK’s Animal By-Product Regulations do not allow fruit and vegetable (peelings) to be placed in a garden waste bin. However, fallen fruit or vegetables directly from the garden are permitted. In addition you should not place invasive non-native species in your recycling bin such as Japanese Knotweed. Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act 1990 includes a list of invasive non-native species. 

Yes, more kerbside boxes/ bags can be obtained free of charge by calling 696445 or e-mail: refuse@douglas.gov.im 

The Council’s policy has always been lids fully down and no side waste. If you do put out side waste, your bin will be emptied as normal and your side waste will be put back in the empty bin, reducing your capacity for the next two weeks, this is why it is important you recycle as much as you possibly can. Please call Waste Services on 696445 if you require an assessment. 

Textiles should be placed in a bag (not box) and tied off. This service will be available from 2023. 

The Council already provides an additional service for Christmas Trees, however some flexibility for side waste may be exercised following Christmas where many households will struggle with capacity in their bins. 

Yes, all households who currently receive an assisted collection will be entitled to apply for assisted collection for their garden waste bin. 

We will assess your particular situation and ensure you have access to recycling within your immediate vicinity, which may include provision of communal recycling banks. 

Provided that putrescible items (food waste) are bagged and placed in the bin, the risk is minimal. 

According to data from the UK, after the introduction of fortnightly refuse collections, there is often an initial spike in fly tipping, the Council’s waste officers and wardens are preparing for this. However, prior to implementation the Council will provide advice on how best to minimise household waste and therefore help to reduce the likelihood of incidences of fly tipping. 

It is recommended that nappies etc. are double bagged before placing in your household rubbish bin. 

There is no current alternative disposal route for food waste. However, the Council will continually look at emerging opportunities for a food waste collection service.