If you put the wrong items in your brown bin, it will not be emptied. Instead, collection crews will tag the bin to indicate that it has been contaminated and inform you to remove the incorrect materials and only present food waste for the next collection.
Here’s a quick summary of what can and cannot go into your brown bin:
| Allowed Items | Not Allowed Items |
|---|---|
| Food waste (e.g., meat, bones, fish) | Liquids (e.g., soup, oil) |
| Fruit and vegetable peelings | Plastic bags |
| Grass and hedge clippings | Soil, rubble, and stones |
| Small branches and weeds | Plant pots |
| Egg shells | Wood, timber, or logs |
It’s important to keep the brown bin free from contamination to ensure it gets emptied on collection day. If you're ever unsure, you can always check West Lothian's recycling guidelines for more information!