Christmas bin collections

Recycling and refuse collection dates

There will be some changes to your recycling and refuse collection schedule during the Christmas period.

The collection day changes are:

Collection Days	Revised Collection day
Monday 22/12/2025	Saturday 20/12/25
Tuesday 23/12/2025	Monday 22/12/25
Wednesday 24/12/2025	Tuesday 23/12/25
Thursday 25/12/2025	Wednesday 24/12/25
Friday 26/12/2025	Saturday 27/12/25
Monday 29/12/2025	No change, normal collection day
Tuesday 30/12/2025	No change, normal collection day
Wednesday 31/12/2025	No change, normal collection day
Thursday 01/01/2026	Friday 02/01/26
Friday 02/01/2026	Saturday 03/01/26

Your normal blue recycling bin and black refuse bin collections day will resume from the week commencing Monday 5 January 2026.

Annual winter pause to garden waste collections

The annual six-week pause to garden waste collections runs from Sunday 7 December until Sunday 18 January 2026. The first collections in the new year will either take place on Saturday 24 January or Saturday 31 January.

Christmas tree collections in January 2025

Real Christmas trees placed at the boundary of your property will be collected on Saturday 10 January or Saturday 17 January.

Please ensure your real Christmas tree has all decorations and tree lights removed, is cut in half and put at the boundary of your property before 10 January.

Christmas waste reduction and recycling tips

• Cardboard that doesn’t fit in your blue recycling bin can be flattened and put out alongside your bin. Make sure it is in pieces no larger than one metre squared
• Christmas cards that have glitter or foil on them cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Please put them in your black refuse bin
• Metallic or glittery wrapping paper and wrapping paper with sticky tape on it are not recyclable. Consider reusing Christmas wrapping paper where possible or try a reusable gift bag or box.
• Check out some helpful tips to use up your left-over food: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes
• Remember: most packaging can be recycled providing it is clean and dry, for example cardboard and paper, glass and plastic bottles, cans, plastic pots, tubs and trays
• Unwanted household items can be taken to Reuse and Recycling Centre, Summers Lane, N12 0RF where most of them can be recycled.
• You can also book a bulky collection from your property for the removal of unwanted furniture and white goods or use the free Community Skips Service
• Unwanted clothes or shoes can be taken to the Reuse and Recycling Centre. Items in good condition can be donated to a charity shop.
• Bikes, children’s toys, clothes and wooden furniture in good or fair condition can be donated through the Community Skips service. Items in a suitable condition will be sent the Reuse shop run by North London Waste Authority (NLWA), which will be refurbished and put back into use instead of being disposed of. Clothing and textiles will be given to The Salvation Army.
• Give your unwanted items or furniture a new home instead of throwing them out. Items in good condition can be passed onto a friend or donated. There are also websites where you can give away items you no longer need. This is a great way to benefit someone else who is looking for your item, reduce your environmental impact and save you money. More about donating your unused items

Find out more on what can go in your household recycling and waste bins.

Find out more ways to reduce, reuse and repair to minimise your waste further.