The Environment Agency has drawn up the following guidelines to assist cleaning operators and the

general public in the safe, environmentally friendly, hygienic method of carrying out the cleaning of

wheelie bins.

NOTE: This guidance is for the cleaning of domestic bins only and NOT TRADE WASTE.

1. INTRODUCTION

Wheelie bins are a relatively new method of assisting in the recycling of waste. Most households will

have two bins, one for recycling and one for general domestic material, which may include kitchen

waste that has not been used for composting in your garden. Unfortunately, these general waste bins

can give rise to offensive odours, fly nuisance and general hygiene problems. In an attempt to reduce

this, many small companies are being set up offering a ‘Wheelie bin’ cleaning service. If this is not

undertaken professionally with the appropriate precautions, the contaminated wash water produced by

the cleaning technique can cause pollution to the environment.

2. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The Agency is responsible for both the protection of “controlled waters” from pollution under the

Water Resources Act 1991 in England and Wales and the prevention of pollution of the environment,

harm to human health and detriment to local amenity by waste management activities under the

Environmental Protection Act 1990.

It is an offence to cause pollution of controlled waters either deliberately or accidentally. “Controlled

waters” include all watercourses and water contained in underground strata (or “groundwater”). In

addition, the formal consent of the Agency is required for many discharges to controlled waters.

Consents are granted subject to conditions and are not issued automatically.

All discharges to the foul sewer require authorisation by the appropriate sewerage undertaker and may

be subject to the terms and conditions of a trade effluent consent.

3. GOOD PRACTICE

By following the guidance in this section, operators should avoid causing water pollution.

a. Prior to cleaning, empty any residual waste from the bin into a suitable bag which should then be

sealed.

b. Use the minimum quantity of water in cleaning.

c. By filtering the water used in the process for re-use, 250 litres can clean up to 250 bins.

d. Minimise the amount of detergent or disinfectant used. Bio-degradable products are best.

e. Ensure that no waste water passes into any drainage system.

f. All contaminated material, such as wipes, should be bagged and placed into the bin.

g. Return all bagged material back into the bin.

h. Leave the cleaning location clean and tidy and leave no litter.

i. Use a purpose made/customised cleaning vehicle.

j. Dispose of all contaminated water at a licensed waste water disposal site

(your local water company will advise of nearest location, a licence is required

and a charge may be made).

k. Store detergent and disinfectant safely, prevent spillage, only carry enough for a day’s work.

l. Store your wheelie bin out of direct sunlight, it may help reduce the cleaning requirement.

4. ACTIONS TO AVOID

Do not:

a. dump waste at the road side or leave any litter.

b. allow waste water to flow into road drains.

c. allow detergent or disinfectant to contaminate the working area.

d. take water from fire hydrants.

e. pressure wash the ground area using chemicals.

f. dispose of contaminated water into nearest road gully.

5. VEHICLE BASED CLEANERS

Customised vehicles are available for wheelie bin cleaning. These carry a supply of water and collect

the wash water for re-cycling and final disposal to foul sewer at an approved site. The use of such

vehicles should prevent the problem of water disposal on site.

6. DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Whatever method you use for wheelie bin cleaning, you must not cause pollution of a watercourse.

Most road gullies and drains are designed to carry surface water directly to the nearest river or stream,

so any contaminated water discharged into them will cause pollution, which is an offence, with a

maximum fine of £20,000 in a magistrates court.

7. CONTACTING THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

It is always best to get it right in the first place, so please contact the Agency for free advice and help

us to prevent pollution on 0845 9333111.

For any further information, please contact your Agency Regional Office at:

Anglian Region Southern Region

Peterborough 01733 371811 Worthing 01903 832000

North West Region South West Region

Warrington 01925 653999 Exeter 01392 444000

North East Region Thames Region

Leeds 0113 244 0191 Reading 0118 9535000

Midlands Region Welsh Region

Solihull 0121 711 2324 Cardiff 01222 770088