Christmas and New Year recycling and rubbish collections in B&NES

Recycling and rubbish collection dates across Bath and North East Somerset will be revised over Christmas and New Year.

Residents have been sent flyers in the post from Bath & North East Somerset Council, which advises them of the new and revised collection dates. This will affect collections which would normally be scheduled from December 27 to January 14. Residents can download a collection calendar with the revised dates for their home here. Garden waste collections will restart on January 17.

Residents are also being advised of a new booking system for garden waste sacks. From January 3, sack collections will need to be booked in advance for the next scheduled collection here. Residents without access to the internet will be able to book via Council Connect at 01225 394041.

With more rubbish thrown away over the festive period than at any other time of year, residents are being urged to recycle as much waste as possible and to avoid creating waste in the first place by using sustainable alternatives. The council is also highlighting that it is unable to accept any wrapping paper for recycling. Wrapping paper often contains non-paper additives such as plastic, foil or glitter which are not accepted by recycling manufacturers, meaning the whole load can be rejected because they cannot be recycled with paper.

Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Climate Emergency and Neighbourhood Services, said: “We’re expecting another busy season for our collection crews as rubbish and recycling waste increased by over 45% last Christmas, but there are things you can do to minimise the amount you need to leave at the kerbside. It really helps the crews to do their rounds more efficiently if you wash, squash and sort the materials inside the boxes and bags – it keeps the vehicle moving and reduces traffic congestion too."

“We can’t accept any wrapping paper so please consider reusable and recyclable alternatives like fabric wrap, reusable giftbags, or fully recyclable brown paper or newspaper. Brown paper can be put out for recycling with cardboard in your blue bag and newspaper can be put in your green box mixed with other paper separated from glass. Remember to remove sticky tape, string, and ribbons before recycling.”

The council’s recycling centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. To find out what you can recycle each week, visit here. For tips on how to reduce your waste and for suggestions for alternative wrapping and gift ideas visit here. Dorothy House is again offering a Christmas tree collection to residents living in BA1, BA2, BA3 & BS31 postcodes for a small donation to their charity. Visit this website to register your tree for collection.

Real Christmas trees can also be recycled at the council’s recycling centres or put out for collection between January 17 and February 11 on garden waste collections days, however this must be booked online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/gardenwaste. Please make sure all decorations are removed and the tree is cut in half, to less than 1.2m tall. Up to five trees can be booked per collection. The council will not pick up any trees that have not been booked for collection. 

The Love Food Hate Waste website has plenty of seasonal tips to help reduce food waste and save money this Christmas.

General service information. 

Order recycling containers.

Council Connect email address: [email protected].

Disruptions to waste collections are updated on this page.