Winter bin collections

During severe weather, routine rubbish, recycling and food collections will be maintained when the weather allows.

If there are large amounts of snow and ice in residential areas, it is not always possible to complete the usual schedule of collections.

Every effort will be made to keep you updated of any changes.

On your normal collection day

  • leave your wheeled bin on roads which are open to traffic
  • clear accumulations of snow around bins so they can be moved to the rear of the refuse vehicle
  • take into account footpath and road access, be a good neighbour

If there are any changes to waste collections during bad weather it will be reported on social media, follow us on twitter @scotborders or like our Facebook page.

If a bin is not collected on the normal collection day

We will do our best to collect your bin before your next scheduled collection day. Therefore please leave your bin presented but be mindful to ensure paths and roads remain accessible for pedestrians and gritting machinery.

If we do not manage to return to collect your waste before your next scheduled collection day we will collect excess, bagged waste on this occasion. Please note that we will not accept recycling presented in black bags.

During periods of adverse weather, priority may be given to general waste (grey-lidded wheeled bin) collections over recycling and food waste collections.

Disposing of excess waste yourself

General and recycling waste can also be taken to community recycling centres if you want to dispose of it yourself. However please take care to check roads are safe and sites remain open before making a journey. If community recycling centres are required to close during bad weather it will be reported on social media, follow us on twitter @scotborders or like our Facebook page.

Find your nearest recycling centre, tip or dump

Waste and recycling

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800