Bins, Recycling and Waste in Swindon Everything you need to know about bin collections

Researched and published by The Swindon Post. Last reviewed 3 February 2026.

Swindon Borough Council provides weekly household waste and recycling collections to over 100,000 homes. This guide covers collection days, what goes in each bin, how to order replacements, and where to find the latest information.

Recycling bins and waste sorting
Recycling bin helping people recycle plastic. Credit: Unsplash
Swindon bin and recycling guide
Bin / containerWhat goes in
Black wheelie bin / bagsGeneral waste (non-recyclable)
Recycling boxes (×2)Paper, card, plastic bottles, cans, glass
Food waste caddyFood scraps
Garden wasteSubscribe separately – green bin

Source: Swindon Borough Council

Key Links

Find your bin collection day
When is my bin day? – Collection day lookup & 2025 changes
Waste wizard (what can I recycle?)
swindon.gov.uk – Waste wizard
Order replacement bins
swindon.gov.uk – Order bins
Report missed collection
Use the council website – Bins and recycling

What you get

Each household typically receives:

  • One black wheelie bin or supply of refuse bags
  • Two recycling boxes
  • Indoor and outdoor food waste containers
  • Reusable recycling bag

Collection days

Bin collection days can change periodically. See our bin collection day lookup guide for a direct link to the council's postcode checker and the most up-to-date schedule.

What goes where

Use the council's waste wizard to check specific items. In general:

  • Black bin / refuse bags: General household waste that cannot be recycled
  • Recycling boxes: Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, glass
  • Food waste: Food scraps in the food waste caddy
  • Garden waste: Subscribe separately – see council website

Ordering replacement bins

Replacement wheelie bins and food waste containers are free. Recycling boxes have a charge (around £5.80–£8.10 depending on type; concessionary rates apply if you receive Council Tax Support). Deliveries usually take about ten working days.

Replacement bin charges (Feb 2026)
ItemCost
Wheelie bin replacementFree
Food waste caddyFree
Recycling box£5.80–£8.10 (concessions available)

Source: Swindon Borough Council

Other services

  • Bulky waste: Book a collection for large items
  • Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC): Book a visit to the tip
  • Assistance with bins: If you cannot put your bins out, you can request help
  • Clinical waste: Request collections for syringes and medical waste

Find your collection day

Enter your postcode or check the council waste wizard.

Swindon Council – Bins & recycling

References & sources

  1. Swindon Borough Council – Bins, rubbish and recycling (accessed February 2026)
  2. Swindon Borough Council – Order new bins (accessed February 2026)
  3. Swindon Borough Council – Recycling guide / Waste wizard (accessed February 2026)

Information correct as of February 2026. For the most up-to-date details, always check Swindon Borough Council's bins and recycling pages. For council contact details and other support, see help and support in Swindon.