This section details services relating to the safe collection and disposal of Household waste and recycling for the Outer Isles in Orkney.
All related documents are available from the 'Related Downloads' section of this page.
Allocation
Westray and Shapinsay are allocated black bags, a 240 Litre wheelie bin and coloured recyclate bags (Plastic bottles in the purple bags, cans in the blue bags, glass in the green bags and paper/ thin card in the clear bags).
All other outer isles are allocated black bags and 1 wheelie bin for black bag storage and 2 recycling bins for storing recycling before bringing to a bring site.
To request black/coloured bags and/or wheelie bins please call 01856873535. Please note residents of Stronsay do not need to call to request bags, please collect from the Island Link Office on Stronsay between 10am and 12Noon (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).
Collection
Westray and Shapinsay are currently in line with Mainland Orkney in getting their waste and recycling collected on an alternate weekly basis. Under this scheme, domestic refuse is collected one week and recyclable items the next. Update as at December 2022 - please note due to current operational reasons we have temporarily suspended recycling collections on Westray and Shapinsay - households will received weekly waste collections until further notice.
However, on the remaining Outer Isles, the service differs and a weekly bag collection remains at the moment.
When putting out your bags, please avoid blocking access such as a public footway, as this can cause a trip hazard. Bags must be out by 08:00 to avoid a missed collection. When collection points are located on a grass verge, e.g. in rural areas, bags should be placed clear of any road access.
Bags should not be overfilled that they are not properly tied and secure to prevent spillage of waste. This is to prevent the potential for vermin to break open bags and spread litter about.
Be Considerate
Help your neighbour if elderly, for example by giving a helping hand on a windy day to put out their bags.
Isles Waste Collection Days
Monday: Sanday and Westray*.
Tuesday: Flotta, Graemsay, Stronsay.
Wednesday: Eday and Shapinsay*.
Thursday: Hoy, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre.
*Alternate Weekly Collection.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the collection and disposal of Household waste on the Isles, please phone 01856873535 or email developmentandinfrastructure@orkney.gov.uk.