Kerbside Collection for Domestic Refuse
East Lothian Council provides householders with a wheelie 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
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 and cookers.  Please note that certain items, such as asbestos or oil tanks, can not be uplifted as part of a normal special uplift.
The service costs only the price of a phone call to arrange the collection. The special uplift premium rate phone number is 0906 5151 523. The maximum call rate for BT customers on landlines is £1.50 per minute. The rate from other network providers may vary. Alternatively, a special uplift can be arranged at your local council office for a £1.00 charge. If you require to dispose of any items not covered by the regular special uplift service, please contact Waste Services on 01620 827 391 to enquire if arrangements can be made for a suitable collection.  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. They can be arranged by calling the above Special Uplift 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 .

Fridges and Freezers
Most fridges and freezers contain CFC gases that damage the ozone layer if they are released into the environment.
The Council has an “ozone friendly” collection service if you want to dispose of an old fridge or freezer. To arrange a collection date please contact the Special Uplift Service on 0906 5151 523 (calls charged at £1.50 per minute from a BT landline, charges from other networks may vary). Following collection, the harmful gases will be safely removed before the fridge is disposed of. Fridges from businesses can be uplifted for a charge of £40 per unit.
One special word of advice on disposing of fridges or freezers: Never place a fridge or freezer outside without first removing the door. If a child climbs into a disused fridge with the door intact, they could easily become trapped and might suffocate.  Please also ensure that any food is removed from fridge-freezers before presenting them for collection.