Changes to bin collections this Christmas

Wrapping paper, packaging from new toys, potato peelings, used batteries, empty wine bottles… there’s a lot of rubbish to dispose of over Christmas! With all the additional waste produced over the festive period, it’s important to ensure that you get your bin out in time for emptying and that you’re recycling as much as possible to minimise the impact on the environment.

The big day falls on a Wednesday this year, which means there are a few unavoidable changes to bin collection days over Christmas and the New Year that you need to be aware of. Look out for a sticker on your bin in the next couple of weeks with the collection schedule or add the following dates to your calendar now so that you are well prepared.

Collections over Christmas week:

Collections over New Year week:

Garden waste

Garden waste collections take a break over the winter with the last collection of the year on 13^th December, before restarting in 2025 on 14^th January. All other waste collections – household, recycling and food waste – will return to normal from 7^th January.

If you have a real Christmas tree, when it’s time to take down the decorations, head along to Dobbies or Notcutts Garden Centres where containers will be available that are just for recycling trees. These are accessible during store opening times, from 27^th December to 12^th January, so check the store opening times before you go.

Battery recycling

Batteries or disposable vapes should NEVER be put in any bin as they can cause fires in the collection vehicles. You can take advantage of the simple battery recycling service offered across the city by putting them in clear plastic bags (batteries and vapes in separate bags) on top of your green or black bins on collection day.

More top recycling tips

• Cards and wrapping paper can go in your recycling bin, as long as they are not glittery or metallic.
• Empty chocolate tubs make great storage containers once you’ve finished with them, however they can also go in your green bin for recycling.
• If your green bin is full, you can put additional recycling waste in clear bags next to your green bin on collection day.
• All food waste can go in your grey food caddy, including meat and bones, vegetable peelings, cooking oil (in a sealed plastic bottle) and any leftovers that you don’t get through!

You can find out more about what waste goes in each bin here.