Leeds Announces Christmas Bin Collection Changes

Important bin collection updates for Leeds residents this festive season

Leeds City Council has outlined the changes to bin collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period, advising residents to check their revised schedules to ensure waste is collected as normal during the holidays. The council has also provided guidance on recycling and waste disposal to help manage the increased volume of waste generated during the festive season.

Bin collection schedule changes

Bin collections will be affected between Sunday 21 December 2025 and Sunday 4 January 2026. During this period, collection days will differ from the usual schedule to accommodate the public holidays. Collections will not take place on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December), and New Year’s Day (1 January). However, crews will operate on all other days, including Sundays, to maintain service continuity.

Normal collection days will resume from Monday 5 January 2026.

How to check your bin collection day

• Flyers detailing the changes are being sent to all households.
• Residents can check their bin day online at Leeds City Council’s bin day checker.
• The Leeds Bins app offers collection-day reminders directly to users’ phones.
• Updates are also shared via the council’s social media channels.

Recycling and waste disposal advice

The council encourages residents to recycle as much as possible during the festive period. The green bin can be used for recycling glass bottles and jars, which are accepted alongside other recyclable materials.

Residents are reminded not to dispose of batteries in household bins due to the risk of fire. Instead, batteries should be taken to designated battery recycling collection points.

Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

HWRCs across Leeds will remain open daily from 8am to 4pm throughout the festive period, except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. These centres provide facilities for residents to dispose of additional festive waste and packaging.

More information on recycling sites and opening times is available at Leeds City Council Recycling Sites.

Christmas tree collection

Following the holiday season, Leeds City Council is supporting local hospices, including St Gemma’s and Sue Ryder, in providing Christmas tree collection services in early January. Details on how to participate can be found at Top Tips for a Greener Christmas.

Council statement

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment and Green Space, said:

“We hope everyone in Leeds enjoys a great Christmas, but we know this time of year bins get filled up quickly so it is important all households are aware when their collections will be over the holiday period and remember to put their bins out at the right time.

We are keen to encourage people to recycle as much as possible and to use the household waste recycling centres if they need to. As well as the obvious extra festive packaging and cardboard, we would like to use this opportunity remind everyone that they can also put empty glass bottles and jars in their green bin. We also thank all of the waste teams working over the Christmas holidays, their efforts are much appreciated.”