Waste and recycling industrial action - FAQ for residents
There is currently industrial action by Unite the Union. We expect some disruption but will try to minimise this.
Put your bins out on your normal collection day. If they are not collected, leave them out and we will collect as soon as we can.
We continue to work with Unite to try and resolve the dispute as soon as possible.
What should I do about my missed collections?
You should continue to put your bins out as usual and we will get to them as soon as possible.
Alternatively you can dispose of your refuse and recycling at one of Birmingham's 5 Household Recycling Centres, you will need to book a slot before you visit.
The Household Recycling Centres also have increased opening hours as listed below.
Weekdays (Monday to Friday)
- Tyseley, Perry Barr, Kings Norton HRCs: 8:00am to 8:00pm
- Castle Bromwich and Sutton Coldfield HRCs: 8:00am to 6:00pm
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday)
- Tyseley, Perry Barr, Kings Norton: 8:00am to 6:00pm
- Sutton Coldfield and Castle Bromwich: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Slot bookings will also reflect these opening times to allow more people to attend.
Why are you collecting black bins with recycling?
We are making every effort to make sure that waste collection services continue during this period of industrial action.
This may mean that we will occasionally collect black bins containing residual waste at the same time as recycling. When this happens, we will try to recover recyclable materials through a treatment process.
If this is not possible, the waste will be used as a fuel source to generate electricity. Our facility at Tyseley thermally treats waste and has the capability of producing electricity for up to 60,000 homes.
Should I let you know when my bin is not collected?
We will be aware of bins not being collected, however you can also report your missed bin collection by visiting Report a missed bin or sack collection.
If you don’t collect my bins, can I withhold my council tax?
It is a legal responsibility to pay Council Tax and we urge people to continue doing this.
The current situation is the result of industrial action taken by Unite the Union, not due to the council’s actions. Council Tax is collected to fund council services generally.
If I bring my rubbish to the Council House, will it be removed more quickly?
No, this would be an act of fly-tipping. We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and do not hesitate to prosecute offenders where evidence exists.
Will I still receive assisted collections?
Yes, you will still have your assisted collection service provided. This is a priority collection.
Will I still receive my clinical waste collection service?
Yes, you will still receive your clinical waste collection service. This is a priority collection.
What happens to any side waste?
This will be collected whilst strike action is taking place. Any excessive waste needs to be in black bin bags. We ask that any side waste is presented in a way that reduces the risk of pests gaining access.
Why is Birmingham City Council removing the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer role?
We are committed to creating a modern, sustainable and consistently reliable waste collection service. This proposal enables us to fulfil our commitment to improving the Waste Service and comes after careful consideration.
This change is part of the waste collection service restructure aimed at improving the quality of service delivery, ensuring our workforce is set up to meet the challenges of delivering a modern waste service and adhering to the Environmental Act 2021. All affected staff have been given the opportunity to move to alternative roles at their current grade, train as Drivers, take voluntary redundancy or work as Loader with pay protection.
Will health and safety be impacted by the removal of the Waste and Recycling Collection Officer role?
The whole team is accountable for working in a safe and responsible way. None of the roles either past or present make any specific reference to there being a lead person responsible for health and safety as all members have their duties referred to as the following: “To comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements including Safe Working Practices, Risk Assessments and the use of PPE.”
The staffing and ways of working have been fully risk assessed, and safe systems of work established. Significant risks are documented, communicated to the crew members and mitigated through appropriate training and processes. All operatives are empowered to report accidents, incidents, and near misses. These figures are captured in a management system enabling trends to be analysed and future training identified.
The service has a dedicated health and safety manager to oversee and review safe systems and practices. They ensure continuous improvement and compliance with health and safety standards.
The driver or team leader has control of the vehicle and therefore control of the way the service is delivered. Introducing the new vehicles with 360° cameras and other tech will support with safe working as well.
When will bin collections get back to normal?
We hope to return to normal collections as soon as possible.
When will there be strike action?
Unite the Union has announced that strike dates will be:
- Monday 6 January 2025
- Tuesday 14 January 2025
- Wednesday 22 January 2025
- Thursday 30 January 2025
- Friday 7 February 2025
- Monday 10 February 2025
- Tuesday 18 February 2025
- Wednesday 26 February 2025
- Thursday 6 March 2025
- Friday 14 March 2025
- Monday 17 March 2025
- Tuesday 25 March 2025
- Wednesday 2 April 2025
However, the refuse crews will also work to rule and not carry out any overtime on all other days. This may also cause further disruption to bin collection services.
Why are the changes to recycling happening now?
The changes are being made due to a statutory requirement under the Environmental Act 2021 to provide waste collection services so you can better separate your food waste, glass, plastics, metals, paper and cardboard from your general waste for recycling.
Birmingham's recycling rate is 22.9%, which is the lowest of any unitary authority, apart from Liverpool. The government has set a recycling target of 65% by 2035.
The amount of 'unusable' recycling we collect has increased from 11.1% in 2019 to 2020, to 30.6% last year (2023 to 2024). Recycling is unusable if it is mixed with items that:
- cannot be recycled
- should have been sorted into a different container
- have not been cleaned properly
Are any other council service affected by the strike action?
No other council services are affected.
We thank residents for their patience during this time. We continue to work with Unite to try and resolve the dispute as soon as possible.
Page last updated: 16 January 2025
