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  2. Recycling and Waste
  3. Household Recycling and Waste
  4. Accumulations of Waste and Rubbish

Accumulations of Waste and Rubbish

Waste collection and recycling services are available for all residents and businesses. When waste isn't placed in bins properly, bins are not put out for collection, or they become overfilled, rubbish can start to build up in gardens, yards, and other areas.

It is the responsibility of all residents and businesses to make sure that this does not happen and to sort out problems when they arise.

Responsibilities of Residents

The most important things are to:

  • separate out recycling from landfill waste, so you have enough space in your landfill (grey) bin;
  • to know which bin to put each type of waste and recycling in; and
  • what days to put the bins out.

Householders can find out all they need to know on  the Recycling and Waste web pages.

Responsibilities of Businesses

From 1st April 2019 businesses must make their own arrangements for collection of recycling and waste. This should be arranged through a private contractor. For businesses, the most important thing is to have the right combination of storage capacity and frequency of uplifts.

Businesses must also segregate their waste. See Commercial Waste for information.

Landowners are responsible for ensuring that any waste on their land is removed and disposed of correctly, regardless of its source. This responsibility also applies where waste results from illegal or unauthorised use of the land. Enforcement action may be taken against offenders if they can be identified. Where illegal dumping occurs repeatedly, landowners are advised to implement measures to prevent further unauthorised use.

Enforcement Action

If certain types of rubbish start to built up, Environmental Health may take formal action to make it is removed. West Lothian Council has legal powers to require the clearance of waste that could cause a public health nuisance - for example, rubbish that may rot or attract pests. Contact Environmental Health & Trading Standards. If the property owner or occupier does not take action, the Council may arrange for the rubbish to be removed by a private contractor and recover the full cost from the owner or occupier. Because of the legal and administrative processes involved, resolving such cases can take some time.

It is not possible to require landowners to remove inert or non-putrescible items such as:

  • building material or debris;
  • children's toys;
  • discarded white goods; or
  • old vehicles.

Where this type of material is causing an eyesore home, please see our information on Eyesore Homes.

Environmental Health do not deal with fly tipping concerns. These should be reported to Operational Services by phoning 01506 280000, or completing the online form to report fly tipping.

Cost Recovery

If the Council has to arrange the removal of rubbish because the property owner(s) or occupier(s) fail to do so, all responsible parties will be invoiced for:

  • the cost  of the removal work, and

  • the staff time required to organise it.

An additional fee will also be added to each invoice to cover the administrative costs of recovering the money owed to the Council. Invoices can be paid: