Right Time, Right Place for trade waste

There is a right time and place for putting out rubbish or recycling in Edinburgh.

Trade waste containers left on the street have a negative impact on the city's appearance. They are not permitted to be stored on public land.

Trade waste bins are not allowed to be stored on our roads and pavements. Food and glass is not allowed to be stored on street, so you should contact your waste carrier about alternative solutions.

Trade waste policy summary

Bins or bags of waste must only be put out for collection on streets during

  • 9.30am to 12 noon
  • 2pm to 4pm
  • 6.30pm to 11pm.

Within these times, waste is only allowed to be put out for up to one hour. It is your responsibility to arrange when your waste will be collected with your waste collector. If your waste remains uncollected, you should remove it from the street, store it on your premises and contact your waste collector to rearrange collection.

All bags and bins must be clearly marked with your business' name and collection time.

If you leave your trade waste bags or containers in public for more than one hour, or outside the collection times, the Council will take action which could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Waste may only be placed on the street when the business is staffed and not overnight.

Waste containers must be placed as near to the edge of a business' property as possible, whilst ensuring there is pedestrian access. You must not block the pavement or road.

Your waste carrier will be able to advise you on how to comply with this policy.