4.12 Refuse collection and servicing

While refuse collection is managed by the Borough and District authorities, street design should take this service into account.

Refuse collection must not dictate the design of a street but should be integrated as part of the servicing plan.

A street’s geometry must not be dictated by the size of the vehicle and a street must not be designed to take the largest vehicle available, especially when this is larger than the vehicles that can be used in the surrounding streets.

The geometric requirements for large refuse vehicles can lead to large turning radii, wider streets and large turning heads that are contradictory to creating good quality places and healthy streets.

Streets and junctions must be designed in accordance with the street types set out in this guide. However, in line with the requirements for emergency vehicle access the absolute minimum narrowing permitted is 2.75m over short distances, such as at modal filters or traffic calming features.

Access should be within reasonable walking distance of a collection point and communal refuse disposal points are strongly encouraged for more efficient collection.