Birmingham residents are being urged to take note of new winter schedules for the city's household recycling centres as a bitter bin collection strike threatens to extend deep into the Christmas period.
Strike Impact and Financial Cost
The industrial action, now in its eleventh month, has created significant turbulence across Birmingham, characterised by growing piles of rubbish, picket lines outside depots, and heated exchanges during council meetings. The ongoing dispute has inflicted a severe financial blow on the cash-strapped local authority, with costs already reaching at least £14 million.
In a bid to manage the waste crisis, the Labour-run council previously extended tip opening hours. With the strike showing no sign of immediate resolution, the council has now formalised its winter operating schedule for the five household recycling centres.
Winter Tip Opening Hours Confirmed
The new winter hours for Birmingham's tips are as follows. From Monday to Friday, the Tyseley, Perry Barr, Sutton Coldfield, and Castle Bromwich sites will be open from 7am until 6pm. The Kings Norton facility will operate from 7am until 9pm on weekdays.
Weekend hours see most centres open from 8am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The exception is the Castle Bromwich tip, which will close at 4:30pm at weekends.
Christmas and New Year Collection Schedule
Separately, the council has outlined its plans for waste and recycling collections over the festive period. There will be no collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Households affected will have their bins emptied on December 29 and 30 respectively.
For all other households, collections will take place on alternative days to the usual schedule. The council states this approach is designed to provide every resident with a clear collection day, moving away from a 'catch-up' system. The revised schedule is:
- 25th December → 29th December
- 26th December → 30th December
- 29th December → 31st December
- 30th December → 1st January
- 31st December → 2nd January
- 1st January → 3rd January
- 2nd January → 4th January
- 5th January → 5th January
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Environment, commented on the arrangements, stating: "As always, we try to find a balance between providing a service and ensuring our waste crews get to spend time with family and friends over the festive period."
He confirmed that while crews do not traditionally work on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, there will be a collection on New Year's Day. He urged all residents to check their specific collection days, reminding them that the city's network of Household Recycling Centres will be open every day except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, with a booking slot required.
The bin strike was initially triggered by a dispute between the council and Unite the union over the removal of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role. Striking workers have continued to voice concerns over pay, while the council's leadership maintains that a "fair and reasonable" offer remains on the table.
