Residents in Birmingham are being warned they may have to wait several more months for the return of kerbside recycling collections, as a bitter industrial dispute by refuse workers reaches the grim milestone of one full year.
Strike Hits Bleak One-Year Milestone
The industrial action, which began on January 6, 2025, has not only led to piles of uncollected waste on streets but also forced the complete suspension of recycling services across the city. For the past twelve months, locals known as Brummies have been forced to store their recycling at home, put it in with general household rubbish, or make trips to local tips.
Labour-run Birmingham City Council confirmed last month that its planned overhaul of the waste service, which includes reintroducing recycling, is scheduled to proceed in June 2026 – regardless of whether the strike continues. This means if the walkout persists, recycling collections may not resume until around 15 months after they first stopped.
Council Response and Falling Recycling Rates
Councillor Majid Mahmood, the council’s cabinet member for environment, acknowledged resident frustration in December. He stated the city's recycling rate had plummeted from 23 per cent to 15 per cent during the dispute.
"I understand the frustration of residents," said Coun Mahmood. "I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding." He highlighted efforts to support the public, including extending hours and removing the booking system at the Castle Bromwich recycling centre and deploying mobile household recycling sites.
He also addressed ongoing issues in inner-city areas like Bordesley Green, which continues to struggle with significant fly-tipping. "Fly-tipping is an eyesore and a hazard," he urged, asking residents to report incidents so the council can take enforcement action.
Transformation Plan and Dispute Roots
The waste service transformation is a cornerstone of the crisis-hit council's recovery plan. Key changes from June 2026 will include:
- Moving general household rubbish collections from weekly to fortnightly.
- Introducing weekly food waste collections.
- Phasing in a second recycling bin for paper and cardboard.
A recent council report noted the waste team would explore options to reinstate recycling and green waste collections "as soon as reasonably practicable."
The strike, between the council and Unite the union, was initially triggered by the removal of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role. Striking workers have raised pay concerns, while council leadership maintains a "fair and reasonable" offer is on the table.
With the dispute now dragging into 2026, Birmingham's streets and residents bear the ongoing burden of a stalemate with no immediate end in sight.
