Birmingham bin strikes: Where can I take my rubbish? Latest collection updates as negotiations continue

Birmingham’s streets are slowly being cleared of rubbish after weeks of disruption, but the strike at the heart of the crisis is far from over.

While the city council says household waste collections are now back on a weekly schedule, tensions with union workers remain high—and the mounting bin bags are still a daily reminder of a deal left undone.

Union members rejected the authority's latest pay offer on Monday (April 14). Unite the union said that hundreds of workers voted overwhelmingly to reject the deal.

The action by members of Unite, which began on 11 March as part of a dispute over pay, has seen thousands of tonnes of rubbish go uncollected and warnings of a public health emergency.

The council has said that from this week bin collections will start to return to your usual collection day and you should continue to put your household waste bin (grey lid) out at your usual collection point.

If you need a reminder when your collection day is, check using this link.

Easter bin collection

Bin collections in Birmingham will continue over Easter, including Good Friday and Easter weekend. The city’s five household recycling centres will also remain open.

Household Waste Recycling Centres will be open every day from Good Friday 18 April to Easter Monday 21 April 2025, with extended opening hours continuing throughout the weekend. Be sure to plan ahead and book your visit in advance, as appointment slots are filling up quickly.

Should I still put my bin out for collection?

Yes - continue to put your household waste bin (grey lid) out for collection. Put your rubbish in or next to your wheelie bin outside your property, or at your usual collection point.

If it is not collected on your usual collection day, leave your bin out and it will be collected. This may be on a weekend.

Do not put your recycling bin (blue lid) out for collection as they will not be collected. Kerbside recycling collection is still suspended during this period of industrial action.

Bin lids need to be closed, to reduce the risk of damage to bins and vehicles, and an increase in waste spillage. The council says resources will be stretched and will be focused on our housing blocks and houses of multiple occupation.