Refuse Collection
East Lothian Council provides householders with a wheeled bin for all their domestic refuse. These bins are emptied once a week between Monday and Friday and we ask that you present them at the kerbside for 7am on the day of collection.
The household refuse collection service cannot accept excess amounts of household waste. This is because if extra bags were accepted at even a few doors the collection service would fall behind, leaving some householders with un-emptied bins. It is for this reason that bags left outside wheelie bins will not be collected. We also ask that the bin lids be closed. Please see the general advice note link for more details.
However, you can dispose of extra household waste by using either our Special Uplift Service or by visiting one of our Recycling Centres.

Special Uplift Service

Please note that from Wednesday 10th December the number to book a Special Uplift has changed to 01875 824 305.

Households or businesses can use the Special Uplift service.  It is available for householders who have extra domestic refuse or bulky household items they need collected. This includes black bin bags, but also items such as old furniture, beds, washing machines, fridge-freezers and cookers.  Please note that certain items, such as asbestos or oil tanks, can not be uplifted as part of a normal special uplift.
From Wednesday 10th December the premium rate phone number will no longer be in use.  From this date please call 01875 824 305 to arrange a collection.  This number will be charged at a local rate from BT landlines, the rate from other network providers may vary. Alternatively, a special uplift can be arranged at your local council office.  Please see the general advice note link for more details on special uplifts.
Collections from commercial premises can include the same materials as listed above, but are subject to a £72.85 charge (including VAT) from 1st April 2007, with the exception of fridge-freezers which are charged at £40 + VAT per unit. Uplifts can be arranged by calling the above number.
Items that cannot be collected by this service include car tyres, for which you should contact your local tyre garage, and car batteries, cooking or engine oil, paint and gas cylinders, which are accepted at the Recycling Centres. Separate collections are carried out for fridge-freezers, metal and green garden waste.  Please ensure that any food is removed from fridge-freezers before presenting them for collection.