Birmingham residents can now access the official schedule for their rubbish and recycling collections over the crucial 2025 Christmas and New Year period. The city council has published a detailed guide to help households navigate the inevitable festive season disruptions.
Revised General Waste and Clinical Collection Dates
The council has confirmed significant changes to the standard timetable. Collections originally due on Christmas Day (Thursday 25 December 2025) will now take place on Monday 29 December. Similarly, pickups scheduled for Boxing Day (Friday 26 December) are moved to Tuesday 30 December. This rescheduling aims to manage the post-celebration waste surge effectively.
Residents who rely on clinical waste bag collections should note that these will follow the same revised timetable as general waste during the holiday period. It is essential to have bags ready for pickup on the newly assigned date corresponding to your normal collection route.
Recycling Suspension and HRC Opening Hours
In a major development, all recycling collections across Birmingham will remain completely suspended throughout the festive season. This ongoing suspension is a direct result of industrial action by waste management staff. The council has issued a specific instruction: do not place your blue-lidded recycling bins out for collection, as they will not be emptied until further notice.
The city's network of five Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) will be closed on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day. However, outside these dates, they will operate extended opening hours to accommodate increased demand. From 21 December through to the end of January, the HRCs will open as early as 7am and close as late as 9pm on weekdays.
Most sites require residents to book an appointment slot online in advance to manage queues. The sole exception is the Castle Bromwich centre for car users, which will continue to accept walk-in visits without a prior booking.
How to Check Your Personalised Schedule
To avoid confusion and ensure your bins are out on the correct day, the council urges all residents to use its online postcode checker tool. This digital service provides the most accurate and personalised information, confirming collection days for the entire year, including any localised adjustments that may not be part of the main holiday rescheduling.
With these plans now in place, Birmingham households are advised to plan their waste disposal carefully, particularly given the full suspension of kerbside recycling services. Checking the official council website remains the best way to stay informed and avoid missed collections.
