Ceredigion County Council website

Every 2 Weeks

We understand that by collecting the non-recyclable (“black bag”) waste every 3 weeks, some households may need help to dispose of disposable nappies and incontinence products, also known as Absorbent Hygiene Products or AHP. Therefore we have introduced an additional collection service to deal with this type of waste.

What is accepted in the AHP collection?

• Disposable nappies
  • All types and size
  • Training pants and pull ups
  • Swim pants
• Nappy changing waste such as wet wipes, nappy sacks and cotton wool
• Incontinence products
  • All types and size of pads, pants and pouches
  • Empty catheters, stoma / colostomy bags and tubing
  • Disposable chair pads and disposable bed pads, liners and pans

Please contact us if the type of incontinence product you use is not listed above.

What is NOT accepted in the AHP collection?

• Sanitary waste (sanitary towels or tampons) – please put in the non-recyclable waste collection
• Infectious clinical waste, needles, sharps and syringes - Medical or clinical waste: please speak to your local Health Board, district nurse team or call the NHS 111 Service
• Animal waste
• Animal bedding – small amounts can be placed in the non-recyclable waste collection, or might be suitable for home composting
• Plaster casts
• Plasters, medical swabs and dressings - please put in the non-recyclable waste collection
• Soiled blankets and clothing – please put in the non-recyclable waste collection

How it works

• Once we receive your application form we will contact you with further details about the service
• If your application is successful, an information pack and supply of AHP bags will be delivered to your property. Please note that initial delivery of information pack and supply of AHP bags can take up to 3 weeks.
• All AHP bags should be tied securely, with the contents fully contained within the bags, before being presented at the kerbside or agreed collection point
• The AHP bags will be collected every 2 weeks and we'll let you know when your collection day is, by providing you with a special waste collection calendar
• If no waste is presented on 3 consecutive collection days we will assume you no longer require this service. If you need to re-start the service, contact 01545 570881

How do I apply?

To receive the AHP Collection Service households are required to complete an application form which can be filled in by clicking on the button below:

Apply for AHP collection service

Frequently Asked Questions About The AHP Service

What about washable nappies?

We encourage the use of washable nappies as an alternative to disposables. See our website for information about the Real Nappy Campaign.

Who is eligible for the AHP Collection Service?

Any user of AHP who lives permanently at the address provided on the application form. If there is more than one person who requires this service at the address please provide both names and their requirements. There is no need to submit two separate application forms.

Will you collect nappies from babies and children of all ages?

We understand that babies develop at different ages and there is therefore no restriction on the age of the baby/child in nappies.

Can I have a container to store the AHP bags?

It is up to the householder to store the bags between collections.

If my supply of AHP bags runs out can I use any plastic bag?

No. We will only collect Council issued AHP bags for the AHP Collection Service.

How do I request a new supply of bags?

You will be provided with an initial supply of AHP bags and a white tag to request more bags. If you run out of AHP bags and do not have a white tag please contact us. We will arrange a delivery of additional bags to your property on next collection day.

What happens if I put the wrong material in the AHP bag?

Should we find materials other than the accepted items in the AHP bags, they will not be collected. Householders who persistently put the wrong materials in the AHP bags may be removed from the collection service.

Can I put disposable nappies and incontinence products in my black bag waste?

Yes, the waste needs to be double bagged.

My grandchild comes to stay with me; will I be able to get the collection?

No as it is not the child’s permanent address. However we can suggest that the nappies are taken back to the child’s permanent address for collection if permanent address is registered for the service in Ceredigion.

I am a grandparent/relative who provides childcare for free, whilst the parents of the child are at work, will I be able to get the collection?

No as it is not the child’s permanent address. However we can suggest that the nappies are taken back to the child’s permanent address for collection if permanent address is registered for the service in Ceredigion.

What will happen to the AHPs collected as part of the service?

We are working with Welsh Government as part of a project that aims to find AHP recycling solutions.  In the meantime,  AHPs are sent to an Energy from Waste facility where they are treated to generate electricity. 

I use incontinence products, but do not wish to advertise this fact by putting a sack out for the AHP collection service. Is there any way this service can be carried out in a discreet manner and how can this be arranged?

When filling in the form there is a section where residents are able to let us know how we might be able to provide the service as discreetly as possible.  Please let us know how we might be able to help.

Can I receive the AHP service Collection Service if I am a child minder?

Yes, but you will need to have a trade waste contract with the Council for this waste.