Residents in the London Borough of Southwark are being advised of temporary changes to their household waste and recycling collections over the upcoming Christmas and New Year period.
Revised Bin Collection Dates for the Festive Break
The council has confirmed that some collections will be delayed by one or two days due to the public holidays. It is crucial for households to note the revised schedule to ensure their bins are put out on the correct day.
The specific changes are as follows:
- Collections scheduled for Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day) will now take place on Friday, December 27.
- Collections due on Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day) are moved to Saturday, December 28.
- If your normal collection day is Wednesday, January 1 (New Year's Day), your bins will be emptied on Thursday, January 2.
- Finally, collections planned for Thursday, January 2 are rescheduled for Friday, January 3.
The council has stated that all bin collection services will return to their normal schedules from Saturday, January 4 onwards.
How to Recycle Your Real Christmas Tree for Free
In a separate festive announcement, Southwark Council has reiterated its offer of a free Christmas tree collection and recycling service for residents.
To qualify for the free pick-up, trees must be prepared correctly. Any tree taller than 5 feet should be cut into smaller pieces, and all decorations, pots, and stands must be removed entirely.
For households that already subscribe to the garden waste collection service, the process is simple: just leave your prepared tree at your usual collection point on your scheduled garden waste day.
Booking Your Tree Collection
Residents who do not have a garden waste subscription can still request a free collection by booking through the council. Bookings for this service open from Sunday, December 22.
An alternative option is to take your tree directly to the Southwark Reuse and Recycling Centre in Peckham.
The council has issued special guidance for people living in flats: Christmas trees should be placed clearly on the kerbside, not inside bin stores, to ensure collection crews can easily see and collect them.
By planning ahead and using these services, Southwark residents can manage their festive waste efficiently and help ensure materials are recycled appropriately during the busy holiday season.
