Your New Wheelie Box

Waste harmonisation is the process of providing the same waste collection service to all residents across the Borough.

By aligning services, the Council can improve efficiency and effectiveness, helping to reduce waste and boost recycling rates.

Residents who currently have a blue mixed recycling bin will receive a new recycling container, the wheelie box. This new container will allow you to recycle additional items including glass bottles and jars and textiles and may increase recycling rates by 10%

The wheelie box will be collected more regularly (every week) and hold more recyclables than the current blue bin (over 2 weeks).

Please present your new wheelie box for its first weekly collection the week after your old blue bin has been removed. If your collection day is changing, your new wheelie box will have a sticker on it with your new weekly collection day. Make sure to place your wheelie box at the kerbside by 7:00 am on your collection day.

We trialled the wheelie boxes in Newtownabbey and recycling figures increased by over 30%. They have been operating very successfully in this part of the Borough for several years.

This change will improve recycling, reduce waste and protect our environment. By sorting and separating recyclables at home, we can reduce contamination and produce higher-quality materials for reprocessing.

Here’s why the new system makes sense:

• Weekly collections – more frequent than the current blue bin (which is every two weeks)
• More capacity – holds more recyclables overall
• Glass and textiles collected at the kerbside – no need for trips to recycling centres or bring banks
• Helps us meet legal recycling targets – we’re aiming to recycle 70% of household waste by 2035
• Supports local jobs – over 75% of materials collected will be reprocessed right here in Northern Ireland

This change means we all recycle more, waste less, and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

A full public consultation took place in 2019 as part of the Council’s business case and decision-making process for expanding the wheelie box scheme Borough-wide. The survey ran from 23 July to 18 October 2019. Residents received the consultation survey direct to their households through the Council’s quarterly magazine, were notified through social media posts and the website, and public information sessions were held for residents to attend. The Council received 832 responses.

How will I know when the new collection system will go live?

The Council will be delivering a dedicated communications campaign in the run up to the planned service change and during the initial roll out.

The Council’s website will also be updated to inform residents about the new collection model. This will include details about local information session for residents.

Will my collection day change?

Collection days will change for some households. If your collection day is changing, your new wheelie box will have a sticker on it with your new weekly collection day. You will be provided with an information pack to let you know how to use your new wheelie and when to put them out for collection. You will also receive a letter or leaflet advising you of any changes to your black bin collection day.

If you are unsure of your collection day you can check the “Find your bin collection schedule” on the Council website on the main page.

How do I contact Council if I have a specific waste related question?

Residents can look up the Council website for information. Council’s website will be updated with relevant information.

If you need to speak to someone, you can contact us by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568 and speak to a member of the waste team.

What if I need help with an assisted lift for this new service?

We can provide a special assisted collection service for residents who due to their age or disability are unable to present or retrieve their own bin and have no other means of support to do this. Please contact us

by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568 and speak to a member of the waste team.

Existing Blue and Black Bins

Once you receive your new wheelie box and streamlined black bin, you’ll need to do the following:

• On your next scheduled collection day, present your old blue and black bins at the kerbside — even if they’re empty or have very little waste inside.
• This is so our crews can empty and remove them as part of the switchover process.

Please make sure both bins are out by 7:00am on your collection day.

Wheelie Box

Please present your new wheelie box for its first weekly collection the week after your old blue bin has been removed. If your collection day is changing, your new wheelie box will have a sticker on it with your new weekly collection day. Make sure to place your wheelie box at the kerbside by 7:00 am on your collection day.

New Black Bin

Your new black waste bin will continue to be collected fortnightly on the same day as your previous black bin collection. Make sure to place your black bin at the kerbside by 7am on your collection day.

Brown Bin

There will be no change to brown bin collections. Make sure to place your brown bin at the kerbside by 7am on your collection day.

What is a ‘Wheelie Box’?

A Wheelie Box is a system of 3 stackable boxes that allow for the separate collection of recycling for a weekly collection.

Unlike kerbie boxes used in other council areas, our wheelie boxes are stacked on a wheeled trolley, making them more robust, easier to move and providing greater capacity with weekly collections.

What is the recycling capacity of the wheelie box?

The wheelie box consists of three boxes. The paper and cardboard (top box) holds 55L, the plastic bottles/tubs/trays, metal tins and aerosols, cartons and tinfoil (middle box)  holds 70L and glass bottles and jars (bottom box) holds 55L. This is a total of 180L, with weekly collections meaning over a fortnight collection you will have a capacity of 360L.

How often will the wheelie box be collected?

Wheelie boxes will be collected on a weekly basis.

What time does my wheelie box need to be placed at kerbside?

You need to place your wheelie box at the kerbside by 7 am on your scheduled collection day.

• When will I get my wheelie box?
  Your wheelie box will be delivered several days before your usual collection day. Important: Do not use the new wheelie box until your blue bin has been collected.
• Can I request another wheelie box?
  Yes, additional boxes can be purchased if needed. If you have extra recycling you can use overflow bags or containers. Only put one type of material in each bag or container. Never put glass in overflow bags.
• What if I live in an apartment?
  You’ll receive your own wheelie box, and shared black bins will be provided where appropriate.
• What if I haven't received my bins or missed my last collection day?
  No problem! Contact us to arrange a collection or redelivery. Please note, any retained blue or black bins will not emptied after their last collection day.
  📧 Email: waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
  ☎️ Call: 0300 123 4568
• What if my wheelie box is damaged or lost?
  If your wheelie box is lost or damaged by crews during collection, it could be replaced. Vehicle footage will be reviewed to confirm the issue. Get in touch with our team for assistance (contact details above) 
• Are the wheelie boxes easy to use?
  The boxes are fixed to a wheeled trolley to enable easy manoeuvring from your house to the kerbside. Each box has a front flap allowing easy access to each compartment which means the boxes don’t need to be lifted off. Clear images are printed on each box showing which items go where
• Will it cost more to recycle the wheelie box material?
  No, it will not cost more to recycle your wheelie box material. In fact, it is more cost effective to recycle than to place these materials into your black bin. Materials collected separately in the wheelies box are high quality and can be recycled locally, which helps avoid expensive transport and processing fees. By recycling correctly, you help the Council keep services costs down and reduce pressure on budgets, supporting better long-term waste management for everyone.

• What warranty will my new bins come with? 
  All new bins and wheelie boxes include a 5-year warranty from the date of delivery.

The wheelie box consists of three boxes. The paper and cardboard (top box) holds 55L, the plastic bottles/tubs/trays, metal tins and aerosols, cartons and tinfoil (middle box) holds 70L and glass bottles and jars (bottom box) holds 55L. This is a total of 180L, with weekly collections meaning over a fortnight collection you will have a capacity of 360L.

This provides a greater capacity for separating and recycling items than the current blue bins which are collected fortnightly.

Can I Ieave extra material alongside the new wheelie box?

If you have extra recycling, you can use overflow bags or containers to present these additional items on your collection day. You must ensure that the materials in any overflow bags or containers are separated in the same way was each wheelie box. Never put glass in overflow bags.

Will my organic collection (brown bin) be changing?

Your brown bin for your food and garden waste will remain the same and there will no change to this service or collection.

What will happen to my existing bins?

Existing blue and black bins will be removed and taken for reuse or recycling.

What if I want to keep my existing bin?

If you wish to keep your existing black or blue bin to repurpose it, for example, around the home or garden, you can contact us by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. We will send you a sticker to place on your bin to inform the crew not to remove it. Please note that retained black and blue bins will no longer be emptied.

You can put the following dry recycling in your Wheelie Box:

Top box (with blue lid):

Paper, such as: letters, envelopes, magazines, newspapers, brochures, catalogues and printed paper.

Card/Cardboard, such as: egg cartons, cereal boxes, postal packages, printed cardboard packaging.

Middle box (with red flap):

Mixed metals, plastics and cartons, such as:

Metal cans, tins, empty aerosols and clean foil.

Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays.

Food and drink cartons, such as Tetra Pak.

Bottom box (with green flap):

Glass bottles and jars (with tops or lids attached).

Note: Textiles can be bagged and placed separately beside the boxes.

What type of glass will I be able to recycle?

All empty and clean glass bottles and jars will be accepted. All lids can be kept on the glass bottles and jars.

Please Note: Never put batteries, gas canisters or vapes in your bins or wheelie boxes. Please return these items to your retailer or dispose of them safely at a Household Recycling Centre.

What do I do with plastic bags and wrapping (soft plastics)?

These types of plastics cannot currently be recycled through your Council Collection. However, they are accepted at plastic bag recycling points at most major supermarkets. Visit the Recycle Now website for more information. The new harmonised collection system will allow Council to actively work to find a solution to collecting and recycling soft plastics easily in the future.

• Why is my black bin changing?
  By introducing the Wheelie Boxes and increasing the number of materials and frequency of recycling collections to every week, households will be able to recycle even more materials and will generate less non-recyclable waste. Instead of reducing the frequency of black bin collections, Council will be introducing new streamlined bins on a continued fortnightly collection.

• How many black bins can I have?
  Each home will receive one 180L black bin. In special cases (e.g. families with six or more, medical needs, nappies), requests for a second bin will be considered.
• How often will it be collected?
  Fortnightly, on your scheduled collection day.
• Can I put out extra waste / material?
  No, lids must close fully. Extra waste won’t be collected.
• Want to keep your old bin?
  Email us at waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk to request a “Do Not Remove” sticker. Note: retained bins will no longer be emptied.
• What will happen to my existing bin if it is removed?
  Existing blue and black bins will be collected and taken for reuse or recycling.​
• What time does my black bin need to be placed at kerbside?You need to place your black bin at the kerbside by 7 am on your scheduled collection day.

• What warranty will my new bins come with? 
  All new bins and wheelie boxes include a 5-year warranty from the date of delivery.

• What if my bin is damaged by collection crews?
  If a bin is lost or damaged during collection, it will be replaced free of charge. Footage will be reviewed to confirm.

We offer assisted collections for residents who are unable to present their bins due to age or disability and have no one to help. To apply, contact us at:

📧 Email: waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
☎️ Call: 0300 123 4568

We’re here to help!

You’ll receive a letter and detailed leaflet before your new bins arrive. Updates will be available on this web page and on our social media channels.

Need more info?
📧 Email: waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
☎️ Call: 0300 123 4568

I was out or on holiday and my bin was not out for collection – How do I get the new style bins?

New bins will be delivered several days ahead of collection days. If your bin was not presented for collection, contact the Waste Team by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568 to make arrangements for the collection of your old bin. Blue bins and 240L black bins will no longer be emptied after the roll out period.

I was on holiday and my bin was not out for collection – Do I have to pay for the new bins?

Crews will be delivering bins several days ahead of collection days. If your bin was not presented for collection, contact the Waste Team by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568 to make arrangements for the collection of your old bin. Blue bins and 240L black bins will no longer be emptied after the roll out period. There will be no charge for new bins during the roll out period.

My street received news bins but I didn’t – what should I do?

If your new bin or wheelie box was not delivered, contact the Waste Team by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568 to make arrangements for the delivery of a new container. If it was mistakenly taken by a neighbour, let us know – only the correct number of containers will be emptied.

Can I put my wheelie box and new black bin out for collection when I receive it?

No. New bins will be delivered before the emptying and collection of your old blue and black bins. Your weekly wheelie box collection will start after your blue bin has been taken away and you should only present your container then. Your black bin will remain on the same collection schedule and should be presented for your next fortnightly collection for emptying.

Why not just keep using blue bins like other councils?  The new system allows for weekly collection, glass and textile recycling and better-quality material with less contamination. Wheelie boxes are easier to manage and provide greater capacity than traditional kerbie boxes. This collection system has been working successfully in Newtownabbey for several years. Unlike the kerbie boxes that are used in other Council areas, wheelie boxes, are stacked on a trolley with wheels and are much more robust and provide more capacity with a weekly collection, increasing recycling rates by 10%.

What warranty will my new bins come with? 

All new bins and wheelie boxes include a 5-year warranty from the date of delivery.

What if my bin is damaged by collection crews?

If a bin is lost or damaged during collection, it will be replaced free of charge. Footage will be reviewed to confirm.

I currently have two blue bins – will I get two of wheelie boxes?

You will receive one wheelie box free of charge, if more capacity is needed additional boxes can be purchased. Overflow recycling can be placed in overflow bags but must stored in the same way. Never put glass in overflow bags.

I recently bought a bin – can I get a refund?

Refunds are NOT available. New streamlined black bins and wheelie boxes are being provided at no charge. If you wish to keep your existing black or blue bin to repurpose it, for example, around the home or garden, you can contact us by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. We will send you a sticker to place on your bin to inform the crew not to remove it. Please note that retained black and blue bins will no longer be emptied.

Why were my wheelie boxes not returned in the same way as I presented them kerbside?

Collection crews may return boxes in an alternate fashion than that presented if there is a health and safety concern or potential for disruptive weather.

Why was my wheelie box not fully emptied?

If your wheelie box contains contamination crews will not be able to empty the boxes. Crews will leave a “Sorry Card” with your wheelie box to identify that contamination was present. The contamination will need to be removed for the wheelie box to be emptied on your next collection day. If there was no contamination present and materials were left behind, please contact our  Waste Team by : waste@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or  0300 123 4568.

Will my bin collections change as a trade waste customer?

No. There are no changes expected to bin collections for our trade waste customers at this time.