Frequently Asked Questions

Worried about your black bag being collected fortnightly? 

Please don't. Remember the main element of your refuse that smells is food, which is collected weekly separately for recycling.

How do you know my kitchen caddy is the right size? 

Research shows your kitchen caddy is right for an average home; it is likely your caddy will need emptying every other day and we have supplied enough bags to do so. Firstly review your buying pattern and waste; if you have lots of leftovers consider if you are cooking too much? Could you reuse food? If you still think you need another caddy, please then come to the Alps office, Wenvoe or Civic office in Barry to collect one.

What happens if I run out of bags?

Simply tie a bag or a piece of material around the handle of your kerbside caddy and leave it out on your usual collection day. Once emptied the crew will pop in a new roll of bags for you to use. Ideally you should be using no more than 2-3 bags a week. Don't forget that the crew can only carry a few rolls on their vehicle, so if it has been a busy week for requests, you may need to wait for the next week. If a neighbour cannot help, please line your caddy with a newspaper (do not use a plastic bag) if you do not want to wash it out once emptied.

Can I put 'pet poop' in this collection?

No. Bag it and put it in any Council bin or your black bin bag collection. Don't forget herbivore poop (from guinea pigs and rabbits, etc.) can be home composted.  You can include animal food in your kitchen waste recycling collections.

What happens to my kitchen waste?

It is taken to our local contractor in Cowbridge who will turn it into a soil enhancer. You can collect free compost from Cowbridge Compost Monday to Saturday from 9am - 5pm. Use this to grow fruit, vegetables, plants or it is great for window gardens or pots.

How can I identify my bin?

It's fine to add your house number/name to your caddy.

How about scavenging animals?

Your caddy is lockable and has been proven to deter seagulls, foxes and cats.

How does this affect the environment?

If food waste goes to landfill it produces a harmful methane gas. It's best to treat it separately and recycle it into another product.

Is the scheme going to save me money?

Possibly. An average family throws out around £420 worth of food waste a year. It may make it easier to judge if you're buying or cooking too much.

Am I entitled to have a hygiene caddy?

Yes, if you are worried about containing odours of sanitary towels, incontinence pads or even disposable nappies. Remember that the hygiene caddy is for storage only (a lockable container that is similar in size to your kerbside kitchen caddy). It is your responsibility to line it with a bag, tie the bag securely and put it out on the black bag day of your waste management week.

Contact us

Telephone: 01446 700111 / Email: visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk