St Helens uses several different bins and containers, and what goes out depends on the waste type. Here’s a quick guide to the main ones and how often they’re collected.
| Container | What goes in it | Collection frequency / timing |
|---|---|---|
| Green bin | Grass cuttings/leaves, flowers/plants/weeds, privet/hedge clippings, small branches and twigs | Fortnightly collection when you subscribe to the service |
| Brown bin | General non-recyclable household waste, polystyrene (in a bin bag) | Fortnightly collection |
| Food caddy | Food waste | Collected on your normal food waste collection day |
| Recycling containers | Recyclable materials (exact items depend on the container) | Weekly collection |
| Garden waste service | Garden waste collection | This year’s subscriptions run from Monday 2 March 2026 to Friday 18 December 2026 |
You need to have your containers out by 6.30 am on your scheduled collection day, with lids fully closed, and bring them back in by 8 pm the same day. If you want to check exactly which container takes which item, St Helens has a “what goes where” guide and collection day checker online: Check my collection day