UK Councils Debate Frequency of Bin Collections as Policies Shift

Labour-led Basildon reverts to weekly collections while other councils consider reducing waste pickups to cut costs and boost recycling.

Basildon Council in Essex will reinstate weekly general waste collections in spring 2025 following public backlash against fortnightly schedules introduced by the previous Conservative administration.
A public consultation in Basildon revealed that 72.3% of respondents supported the return to weekly bin collections, citing concerns over public health and waste management.
Nationally, Labour's updated waste collection guidance removes the Conservative-proposed mandate for fortnightly minimum collections, leaving local councils to determine their own schedules.
Some councils, including North Somerset and Bristol, are shifting to three- or four-weekly collections to address financial pressures and meet recycling targets, despite public opposition and concerns over hygiene and fly-tipping.
Wales, where Labour has governed for 25 years, has already implemented less frequent collections in many areas, achieving high recycling rates but facing criticism over increased fly-tipping and public dissatisfaction.