All bin collections across Birmingham have been cancelled for Friday, January 30, 2026, as the city council cites significant health and safety risks ahead of a planned 'megapicket' protest. The decision affects residents citywide, with collections suspended at all three main depots due to anticipated disruption from thousands of trade unionists and supporters gathering in solidarity with striking bin workers.
Council Cites Safety Grounds for Service Suspension
Birmingham City Council announced the suspension in a formal statement, explaining that the expected scale of the protest makes normal operations unsafe. "Due to expected disruption across all our depots because of the announced 'mega-picket' we have decided to suspend collections today, Friday 30/1," the council said. "We are sorry for the inconvenience and aim to catch-up across the weekend. If your collection is scheduled for today please leave your bin out and we will collect as soon as possible."
The council has also communicated directly with agency workers, confirming that all staff will be paid for the day despite the service halt. This move underscores the council's assessment that the protest poses genuine operational hazards.
Industrial Dispute Enters 14th Month
The megapicket marks the latest escalation in a bitter dispute that began over a year ago, triggered by the council's restructuring of its waste service. Key changes include:
- Reducing bin crews from four to three members
- Downgrading or eliminating hundreds of driver and loader positions
- Rejecting union demands for compensation, citing fears of triggering equal pay claims
Strike Map, the worker-funded organisation coordinating the protest, reports that this is the third such mass picket in their campaign. Co-founder Henry Fowler emphasised their determination: "Our megapickets are growing with every action we take. This strike has united three political parties, the labour movement and the people of Birmingham in condemning the cuts imposed by this council and its commissioners."
Broad Political and Union Support
The 'Megapicket 3-D' event has garnered support from across the political spectrum, with backing from:
- Multiple trade unions including the Fire Brigades Union, UNISON branches, and the RMT
- Political figures from Labour, the Green Party, and Your Party
- Community organisations like ACORN Birmingham and the Blacklist Support Group
FBU General Secretary Steve Wright has called directly on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to intervene and resolve the prolonged dispute, highlighting its national significance.
Resident Impact and Recovery Plans
While the council has apologised for the inconvenience, residents are advised to leave their bins out for weekend collections as crews work to clear the backlog. The suspension affects all scheduled Friday collections, with the council promising to restore normal service once safety conditions allow.
This development comes as Strike Map continues to document industrial action nationwide, having tracked over 230,000 workplace actions since 2020. Their worker-powered platform aims to build solidarity and visibility for labour disputes across the country.
