Mid Sussex empties the black-lidded rubbish bin every three weeks, the blue recycling bin every second week, and a green food bin every week. Garden waste is a paid fortnightly subscription. The garden page lists what must stay out of that bin, and it does not list what may go in.
Last checked against 8 sources (www.midsussex.gov.uk).
What goes in each bin
Black-lidded rubbish bin · General waste
Bin · Every three weeks
Yes please
Nappies
Pet waste
Non-recyclable packaging
Shredded paper
Plastic wrap and packaging
Polystyrene
Crockery
Not in this one
Food waste
Hazardous waste
Clinical or medical waste, such as syringes, epi-pens, infectious swabs, wound dressings, drains or pumps
DIY waste, including paint tins, tiles, bricks and rubble
Garden waste is a paid-for service. The garden waste service costs £99.50, paid as a single yearly fee by Direct Debit. Subscribers get a 240 litre green-lidded bin and a collection every two weeks, 25 collections in the year, with two weeks excluded at Christmas and New Year. As of 3 October 2026 the page said demand is very high and there is a waiting list, including for extra bins and for properties that already have a bin. Collections run through the year apart from those two weeks at Christmas and New Year. New applications are processed in the order they arrive. The service is for residential properties. It is not offered to town or parish councils or other organisations, though the council may provide it to churches if commercial contractors do not use the bin.
Report a missed food, recycling, clinical or garden collection through the Bins and waste service area. Collections run from 7am to 3pm, so do not report a miss until after 3pm. Bins need to be council bins, at the edge of the property and visible, with the lid shut, and out before 7am.
The 1, 2, 3 schedule started for everyone from 3 November. From November 2025 food waste is not meant for the rubbish bin. Houses got a 5 litre silver kitchen caddy and a 23 litre green outdoor bin. Communal buildings got a 5 litre caddy and a shared 140 litre food bin, emptied every week along with house food bins.
The blue bin may be blue all over, or black with a blue lid. Recycling has to be clean, dry and loose, not in plastic bags. Shredded paper is refused in the recycling bin and accepted in the rubbish bin. Coffee cups and lids are listed with paper and card. Non-black plant pots and seed trays are accepted when they are over 40mm x 40mm. Black pots are not.
Compostable liners and newspaper are allowed in the food caddy, and the council does not supply the liners. Packaging, liquids, oils, animal bedding and cut flowers stay out. The food service is described as free of any extra charge.
In September 2024, 5000 residents took part in a food waste trial. The council says 38% of the average rubbish bin was food, and that 9 out of 10 trial households were happy to continue. A separate nappy round was piloted and is not offered district-wide. Households with two children in nappies full time can ask customer services about a second rubbish bin.
Garden waste is composted by OLUS Environmental, often for use in West Sussex. The bin must be out by 7am, lid closed, with nothing beside it. A move inside the district needs at least 14 days' notice, and the old bin left where it can be seen from the road. Cancelling does not produce a refund. Waste queries go to 01444 477440 or wastematters@midsussex.gov.uk. Garden subscriptions use gardenwaste@midsussex.gov.uk.
Bulky collections are charged. The first item is £27.50 and each further item is £18.00, with a maximum of 10 items. People on Council Tax Benefit (not a discount or disregard), Housing Benefit, or the housing element of Universal Credit may get a 50% reduction. A mattress is charged separately from the bed base. Home-improvement waste is not collected.
As of 3 October 2026 the centres page named Burgess Hill Recycling Centre, Fairbridge Way, Burgess Hill, RH15 8AR, and East Grinstead Recycling Centre, High Grove, Imberhorne Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 1TZ. From Monday 12 February a booking is required at West Sussex recycling centres. Appointments can be made at least 14 days ahead, and same-day appointments are also offered. Visitors need proof they live in West Sussex. Opening times are on the county booking pages, not on this district page.
Bin questions in Mid Sussex
How often does Mid Sussex collect rubbish, recycling and food?
Food waste is collected every week. Mixed recycling is collected every second week from the blue-lidded bin. Rubbish is collected every three weeks from the black-lidded bin. Collection days changed for everyone when the food service started, so the bin collection page is the place to check the current calendar.
What goes in the Mid Sussex rubbish bin?
Nappies, pet waste, non-recyclable packaging, shredded paper, plastic wrap, polystyrene and crockery. Food waste has been excluded from November 2025. Hazardous waste, clinical waste, DIY rubble, textiles, electricals, garden waste, business waste and bulky items have their own routes.
How much is Mid Sussex garden waste?
£99.50 a year by Direct Debit, for a 240 litre green-lidded bin collected every two weeks, 25 times a year. Two weeks at Christmas and New Year are excluded. There is a waiting list, and a cancelled subscription is not refunded.
When should a missed bin be reported in Mid Sussex?
After 3pm on the collection day. Crews collect between 7am and 3pm. Bins should be out before 7am, at the edge of the property, using the council's own bins, with the lid able to close.
What does a bulky collection cost in Mid Sussex?
The first item is £27.50. Each further item is £18.00, and one request can include a maximum of 10 items. Some benefit households may pay 50% less. The crew takes furniture, white goods, bicycles, rugs and similar portable household items, not waste from home improvements.
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