Cheshire West residents who want easy information about about their bins can now ask Alexa thanks to a new council feature.

The new real-time app modification, developed by Cheshire West and Chester Council, offers residents answers to queries they may have about local services, anytime of the week.

It will mean residents who, for example, have to check if they need to put the bins out before they go to bed can simply ask Alexa: "When do my bins go out?" on their smart device.

Other queries that Alexa can answer include 'Where's my nearest library?' or 'What can I put in my recycling bin?'.

Alexa can also assist with reporting missed waste collections.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said: “Residents and businesses have to be able to access the information they need at the time that they need it, it’s why the council is committed to developing new ways for people to access information about the things the council does.

“The Alexa skill can be installed free of charge, and is accessible to anybody with an Alexa device or the free Alexa app. It’s easy to set up, inclusive for people with mobility or visual impairments and it also demonstrates the council’s commitment to innovation and good customer service.

"As well as the new Alexa skill, the council will continue to offer the more familiar ways to ask questions – including online, telephone and in-person.”

To access the app, visit https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/contact-us/alexaor search for 'Cheshire West and Chester' in the skills and games section of the Alexa app. From there, click the launch button. The skill will ask for a location and name permissions to enable it to provide an all-round experience.

Here is a list of the questions and commands you can ask Alexa with the app:

  • When does my bin go out
  • When do my bins go out
  • When is the bin collection
  • When is the next bin collection
  • When will my bin be collected
  • How often are my bins collected
  • When will my rubbish be collected
  • When will my bin be emptied
  • When is my next bin collection
  • When does my domestic bin go out
  • When does my black bin go out
  • When does my blue lidded bin go out
  • When does my red lidded bin go out
  • When does my recycling bin go out
  • When does my blue bin go out
  • When does my red bin go out
  • When will my recycling bin be emptied
  • When does my garden bin go out
  • When does my brown bin go out
  • When does my food bin go out
  • When is the food waste bin collection
  • When is the food bin collection
  • When is the brown bin collection
  • When is my next food waste collection
  • When is my next food bin collection
  • When is my next brown bin collection
  • When will my food bin be emptied
  • When will my food waste bin be emptied
  • When will my brown bin be emptied
  • What can I put in the red lidded bin
  • What can I put in the black lidded bin
  • What can I put in the blue lidded bin
  • Report a missed bin
  • Report a missed domestic bin
  • Report a missed recycling bin
  • Report a missed food bin
  • Report a missed garden bin
  • Where is my nearest recycling centre
  • Where is my nearest tip
  • How do I dispose of bulky waste
  • Where is my closest library
  • Which is my nearest library
  • Where is my nearest Council Office
  • Which is my local Resident Assistance Point
  • Which is my local play area
  • What's my nearest play area
  • Which is my local park
  • What's my nearest park