Birmingham residents are being advised of significant temporary changes to their bin collection days over the festive period, with every household in the city affected.
Revised Festive Collection Schedule
The council has confirmed that there will be no bin collections from Christmas Day through to Sunday, December 28. Collections will resume on Monday, December 29 and continue throughout the week, including on New Year’s Day. However, none of the collections that week will take place on the usual days.
The revised schedule for the first week is as follows:
- Usual Thursday (Christmas Day) collection moves to Monday, December 29.
- Usual Friday collection moves to Tuesday, December 30.
- Usual Monday collection moves to Wednesday, December 31.
- Usual Tuesday collection moves to Thursday, January 1 (New Year's Day).
- Usual Wednesday collection moves to Friday, January 2.
- Usual Thursday collection moves to Saturday, January 3.
- Usual Friday collection moves to Sunday, January 4.
Collections are scheduled to return to normal from Monday, January 5.
Ongoing Disruption and Service Details
The changes come during a year marked by significant disruption to Birmingham's waste services due to industrial action by Unite the Union members. Agency workers are set to cover the festive period, working seven days straight, a move that has sparked some controversy due to a reported £600 cash bonus offered as an incentive.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, stated: "As always, we try to find a balance between providing a service and ensuring our waste crews get to spend time with family and friends over the festive period." He urged all residents to check the new schedule carefully before putting their bins out.
Residents should also note that there will be no recycling collections, a service that has been suspended for most of the year.
Household Recycling Centres Opening Hours
The city's five Household Recycling Centres (tips) will remain open with adjusted hours. They will operate from 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 8am to 6pm at weekends. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, they will open from 7am to 6pm. The centres will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. A booking slot is required before visiting any site.
Councillor Mahmood added: "I know residents have been incredibly patient during the year and I would like to thank them for this." Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the altered collection days to avoid missed pick-ups.
