It's more difficult than you think. Why should you pay for something through council tax if you don't use it? That's where the paid services come in. In episode 8 of Behind the Bins, Kate and Tim talk about garden waste being included in council taxes. They also talk to Vicki Woodhouse from Lichfield Council on their methods for making garden waste collection fair and efficient for everyone. 

Bin day changes are a pain, so why do we keep messing with them? In episode 7 of Behind the Bins, Kate and Tim talk about why councils change routines and days, the positives and the effects it has. They also chat to Marc Scott of Runnymede Council on how they've tried to make changes as smooth as possible in the area.

Weekly bin collections have become a thing of the past. Or have they? In episode 6 of Behind the Bins, Kate and Tim discuss the concept of a bygone era when refuse waste was picked up every week. They also talk to David Maidman of Canenco about why the changes came about.

Ever wondered what actually happens to your waste after the bin lorry drives off? In Episode 5 of Behind the Bins, Kate and Tim are joined by Tom Passmore from Dsposal to bust one of the biggest myths in waste management: that it all just goes to the same place. Tom breaks down digital waste flow reporting and how tracking where waste actually ends up is changing accountability, transparency and trust across the industry. If you've ever assumed recycling and rubbish converge somewhere down the line, this episode might change your mind.

In this episode, Kate and Tim dig into one of the most common questions residents ask: who actually decides my bin day?

They're joined by Matthew Boulter, Commercial Services Manager at Dorset Council, who shares an inside look at how collection schedules are planned, what goes into changing them, and how councils manage that change for residents on the ground.

Episode 3 of Behind the Bins is here — "What if I can't manage to put my bins out?"

Kate and Tim are joined by Becca Phillips from Cardiff Council to chat about assisted collections and the very human side of waste and recycling that often goes unnoticed.

Episode 2

Kate and Tim discuss just how dangerous a job in the waste industry is. In this episode, they talk to special guest Tony Spiezick from Coventry City Council who has witnessed how serious a situation can get.

Why does one council give you two bins while another gives you five? And do more bins actually mean better recycling?

In our debut episode, Kate and Tim are joined by Charlotte Paine from Braintree District Council to unpack the Great Bin Question. From recycling targets and food waste collections to resident behaviour and service redesign, they explore why local authorities collect materials in different ways and what happens when councils ask residents to change their habits.

With practical insights from a council in the middle of a major service transformation, this episode lifts the lid on the thinking, challenges, and opportunities behind modern waste and recycling collections.