Belfast bin collection changes announced as council expands recycling services
Belfast City Council has announced changes to some household bin collection schedules as part of a wider programme to improve waste collection, recycling and street cleansing services across the city.
The changes include the introduction of additional specialist collection vehicles designed to operate in narrow or congested streets.
Some residents will experience changes to their scheduled collection days, although affected households will receive a letter explaining the new arrangements.
Belfast bin collection changes will affect some households
The council is expanding and reorganising its restricted-access bin collection routes to improve reliability in areas where larger refuse vehicles encounter difficulties.
Two new 18-tonne refuse collection vehicles are being introduced to help crews navigate narrow streets where standard 26-tonne vehicles can be obstructed.
The council says the changes are intended to reduce missed collections and improve the reliability of services.
Some households will have their collection days changed as the new arrangements are introduced.
Affected services will continue operating on a fortnightly basis, although residents may experience a slightly shorter or longer interval between their final collection under the old arrangements and their first collection under the new timetable.
The council says affected households will receive written notification.
Residents reminded of bin collection requirements
Households on affected routes are being reminded to follow the council’s bin presentation guidelines.
Bins must be placed outside by 7am on the morning of collection.
Lids must close completely, while additional bags should not be left beside bins.
The council has also advised residents against using full-size plastic liners inside recycling containers.
Motorists are being encouraged to park close to the kerb to allow refuse collection vehicles to travel safely through narrow streets.
Glass recycling expansion planned for north and south Belfast
The council has also confirmed plans to expand its kerbside glass recycling service.
The final phase of the programme will extend collections to remaining households without the service, primarily in north and south Belfast.
Residents included in the expansion will be able to recycle glass from home using a 44-litre purple recycling box.
The project is being part-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Once completed, the expansion is expected to divert an additional 650 tonnes of glass into recycling each year.
The final phase is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
New equipment introduced to improve Belfast street cleaning
Street cleansing teams are also increasing their operations across Belfast city centre.
The council has introduced an extended power-washing programme and deployed a specialist Gladiator chewing gum removal machine.
The equipment has been funded through the UK-wide Chewing Gum Task Force.
Councillor Jenna Maghie, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee, welcomed the improvements.
She said the council was investing in practical measures to improve recycling, modernise its collection fleet and tackle litter.
The council is also examining ways to address abandoned bins and containers permanently left on pavements and entryways.
Residents can obtain further information about collections, recycling facilities and waste services through Belfast City Council.
External link: Belfast City Council — Official Announcement, 12 October 2026
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