Residents across the London Borough of Camden are being advised of important changes to their rubbish and recycling collection schedule over the festive holidays.
Revised Collection Dates for Christmas and New Year
The local authority has confirmed that its regular collection service will not operate on the bank holidays of Thursday 25 December, Friday 26 December 2025, and Thursday 1 January 2026. This means bins and recycling bags should not be put out on those days.
Instead, collections will be pushed back. Households with a usual Thursday collection will have their waste picked up on Saturday 27 December. Those with a Friday collection will be serviced on Sunday 28 December.
For the New Year period, Thursday 1 January collections move to Friday 2 January 2026, and Friday 2 January collections shift to Saturday 3 January 2026.
All services will return to their normal schedules from Monday 5 January 2026. The council is offering free extra recycling bags for the festive period, which can be ordered online at camden.gov.uk/order-bins or by calling 020 3567 8105.
Christmas Tree Recycling Points and Rules
Real Christmas trees can be recycled at designated points across Camden between 2 and 11 January 2026. The council stresses that all decorations, including tinsel and baubles, must be removed before disposal.
Residents can use the council's online maps to locate their nearest drop-off point. The authority has issued a stern warning against fly-tipping, stating that illegally dumping trees on the street or leaving commercial waste at sites could result in a fine of up to £1000.
Notably, several usual tree recycling locations will be unavailable this year. The City of London will not be collecting trees on Hampstead Heath, and trees must not be left on surrounding streets or at the park boundary.
Alternative Tree Recycling Options
For residents affected by closed sites, the council has listed the nearest alternative locations. For example, those who used East Heath Road Car Park can go to Netherhall Gardens or Highgate Enclosures.
Other disposal methods include:
- Using the council's garden waste subscription service, if the tree is cut to fit inside the bin.
- Booking a bulky waste collection, for which a charge may apply.
- Taking the tree directly to the Regis Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.
The council also suggests an eco-friendly alternative for future years: "Residents who have the space can buy a living tree in a pot that they can plant in their garden or keep for Christmas 2026."
For more advice on reducing waste and saving money during the festive season, residents are directed to the North London Waste Authority's website.
