Forest of Dean Waste & Recycling: Frequently Asked Questions
🗑️ Missed Bins & Collection Reporting
If your bin, green caddy, or recycling box was not emptied on your scheduled day, you should report it within 24 hours (or by the end of the next working day).
Before submitting a report, check the following:
Time: Was your bin put out at the kerbside by 7:00 AM on your collection day?
Access: Was access blocked by roadworks or parked vehicles?
Contents: Did your bin contain incorrect non-recyclable materials (tagged with an inspection sticker)?
Weight/Lid: Was the bin lid fully closed and not overloaded?
If you met all requirements, report it online via the Forest of Dean District Council Missed Bin Portal. Collections crews will usually return within 2 working days.
Bank holiday collections usually run one day later than normal throughout the week (for instance, Monday collections move to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, and Friday collections move to Saturday).
Note: The Christmas and New Year period follows a tailored schedule announced by the council each December.
If your bin or recycling box has been damaged, lost, or stolen, you can order a replacement directly on the district council portal.
Recycling Boxes & Food Caddies: Delivered free of charge.
Black Refuse Bins / Garden Bins: Subject to a standard delivery and administration fee. Deliveries typically take between 2 and 6 weeks.
🌿 Garden Waste Subscriptions
The garden waste collection service is a paid subscription running annually from 1 April to 31 March.
Annual Cost: £70.00 per licence/bin per year.
Frequency: Fortnightly collections using your green-wheeled bin.
Licence Sticker: Once purchased, you will receive a physical licence sticker within 10 working days, which must be affixed underneath the handles on the back of your green bin for collection crews to empty it.
YES Please:
Grass cuttings, leaves, and hedge trimmings
Small branches and twigs (under 4 inches / 10 cm in diameter)
Flowers, plants, and weeds
Prunings and fallen fruit
NO Thanks:
Soil, turf, stones, or gravel
Food waste, fruit peelings, or tea bags (use your outdoor food caddy instead)
Treated wood, fencing, or timber
Animal bedding, pet waste, or cat litter
Plastic bags or plant pots
Yes. If your property is assessed by the council as unsuitable for a wheeled bin (e.g., due to steps or narrow lanes), you can apply for compostable garden waste sacks equivalent to a full year's subscription (50 sacks per licence).
♻️ Household Recycling Centres (Tips)
Until Hempsted HRC reopens, the main Household Recycling Centre (HRC) serving the Forest of Dean is Oak Quarry HRC:
Address: Broadwell, Coleford, GL16 7EG
Operator: Managed by Gloucestershire County Council
Oak Quarry operates on seasonal opening schedules and is CLOSED every Tuesday:
| Period | Days Open | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Hours (BST) | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Winter Hours (GMT) | Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesdays | CLOSED ALL YEAR | — |
Yes, booking is essential. All visits to Gloucestershire recycling centres must be booked online in advance.
How to book: Reserve your 30-minute arrival slot via the Gloucestershire Recycles Booking Portal.
Requirements: You must bring proof of Gloucestershire residency and arrive within your designated 30-minute window.
Vans & Trailers: Requires a specific van or trailer permit booking prior to arrival.
Useful Official Links
🔗 District Council Portal: fdean.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling
🔗 Gloucestershire Recycles: gloucestershirerecycles.com