Bin contamination

Putting the wrong items in any of your bins can contaminate the rest of the waste we collect.

Garden waste contamination

If you have a wheelie bin at your property, you can sign up for an annual garden waste subscription and we’ll collect your garden waste every week from your home.

We cannot collect your garden waste bag if it's contaminated, as this will spoil the composting process.

Common contamination items

Please do not put any of these in your garden waste bag.

Soil and rubble

This is not suitable for composting and should be taken to Smugglers Way Recycling Centre.

Large branches

These are not suitable for composting and should be taken to Smugglers Way Recycling Centre.

Flower pots, plant trays, plastic and polystyrene

These are not compostable. They should be recycled where possible, taken to a recycling centre or put in your rubbish bin.

Animal waste

Waste from any pets that eat meat cannot be composted as it's not safe for compost that may be used for growing food. Put it in your rubbish bin instead.

Food waste

Please use your food waste bin, a compost bin, or put it in your rubbish bin.

If the collection crew find any items in your garden waste bag that cannot be composted, it will not be collected. There's support available if you cannot remove the items or need further assistance:

  • Email: streetcarecallcentre@lambeth.gov.uk
  • Phone: 020 7926 9000

Garden waste - what to put in

Check what goes in your garden waste bag

Find out how to buy a compost bin at a reduced price.