Leeds Council Confirms Bin Collection Plans and Food Waste Trial

New food waste trial to begin in Wetherby and Collingham

Leeds City Council has clarified its position on bin collections amid circulating reports about changes to the city’s waste disposal system. The council confirmed that there will be no introduction of a fourth bin for households, maintaining the current three-bin system. However, a new food waste collection trial is set to start soon in selected areas.

Current bin system remains unchanged

The council emphasised its commitment to the existing three-bin approach, which includes black, green, and brown bins. This system is designed to keep recycling and waste disposal straightforward for residents and to minimise confusion. Leeds has already made progress by allowing glass to be recycled through the green bin, ahead of national requirements. Additionally, residents can recycle plastic film, also in advance of the 2027 deadline.

Details of the food waste trial

As part of a government initiative to separate food waste from general waste, Leeds has secured funding to trial a new service. This will involve placing food waste in the brown garden waste bin, which will switch to an all-year-round collection service instead of pausing during winter months.

• The trial will take place in the Wetherby and Collingham areas.
• Households involved will receive a kitchen food waste caddy to support the fortnightly collection service.
• The trial is expected to start by the end of February 2026.

If successful, the council plans to expand the service to all households with brown bins and explore options for those without suitable brown bins to receive food waste collections.

Existing garden waste service and recycling achievements

Leeds operates the largest free garden waste collection service in the UK, serving around 220,000 households and collecting over 31,000 tonnes of garden waste annually. The infrastructure in place allows flexibility to extend the brown bin service without introducing an additional bin.

Recent improvements in waste management have significantly reduced landfill use in Leeds from 25% to less than 0.2%. The council continues to encourage residents and businesses to recycle as much as possible through kerbside collections and household waste recycling centres.

Addressing misinformation

The council also addressed rumours about new fines for incorrect bin use, confirming that no such fines are being introduced. The waste services team remains focused on supporting residents to manage their waste effectively.

Further information

Residents can find guidance and information about waste services at Leeds City Council’s bins and recycling page. Collection dates specific to properties can be checked at Check Your Bin Day. The council also offers reminders via the Leeds Bins app.