Question 1

How do bin collections work here?

Accepted Answer

Food waste is collected every week in the green caddy. Recycling and rubbish are collected fortnightly, on alternating weeks. Put everything out by 7am on your collection day at the edge of your property.

Collection days depend on your address. Find yours on Cornwall Council’s website — search “Cornwall Council find your collection day” or visit www.cornwall.gov.uk and look under Rubbish and recycling.

Question 2

Do I need to book to use the tip?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The St Austell Household Waste and Recycling Centre (Menear Road, PL25 3TD) only takes visits with a booked slot — you can’t just turn up.

Booking is free, takes a minute, and can be for the same day if spaces are left, or up to a week ahead. Book at www.cornwall.gov.uk/tipbooking or call 0300 1234 141. The site is open 9am–4pm every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It’s usually quietest between 10am and midday on weekdays.

Question 3

Is any dentist near me taking NHS patients?

Accepted Answer

Honestly: it’s hard right now. Healthwatch found no practice in Cornwall openly accepting new adult NHS patients, and the county waiting list runs to tens of thousands of people. Which practices are open to new patients changes often, so we don’t list names here.

Check www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist for the current picture, and call NHS 111 if you have an urgent dental problem — they can refer you to urgent dental care even if you’re not registered anywhere.

Question 4

What help is there if money is tight?

Accepted Answer

St Austell Foodbank provides three-day food parcels through a voucher referral — ask at Citizens Advice, your GP, your children’s school, or a support worker, and they can refer you. Sessions run Monday 4–6pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 1–3pm in St Austell, Wednesday 11am–1pm in St Stephens, and Friday 12–2pm in Roche.

The foodbank also hosts a free, confidential money and debt advice service — you don’t need a food voucher to use it. Details at staustell.foodbank.org.uk.

Question 5

What’s the Eden Project Locals’ Pass?

Accepted Answer

If you live in Cornwall or Devon you can get a year of unlimited Eden Project visits for roughly the price of a single day ticket. Buy it online, then bring proof you live locally on your first visit — photo ID, or three documents like utility bills showing a TR, PL, TQ or EX postcode.

You still need to book a free timed entry slot before each visit. Details at www.edenproject.com under Locals’ Pass.

Question 6

Where do I go for face-to-face help with council things?

Accepted Answer

Chi Austel, the council hub inside White River Place shopping centre, opened in 2025 — council services, a family hub and registration services in one place in the town centre.

For anything else, Cornwall Council’s general line is 0300 1234 100, or use www.cornwall.gov.uk.

Common questions, straight answers

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