Normal household refuse should be disposed of in the large communal refuse bins (OMB bins) in the street. Disposing of small quantities of refuse at a time will make best use of the capacity of the bins. When placing your rubbish into the bin do throw the bag towards the back of the bin, rather than just dropping it into it. It is illegal for tradesmen to put trade waste into communal bins.

Large items of refuse (eg old televisions or unserviceable items of furniture) should not be disposed of in OMB bins: instead, a free special uplift should be requested. To book a special uplift, call the City of Edinburgh Council on 0131-529 3030. Unwanted furniture that might still be of use to someone will be recycled by the Edinburgh Furniture Initiative: ring 0131-553 3444.