Bin change dates yule need to know in Leeds this Christmas

Leeds City Council has released the details of this year’s changes to bin days over the Christmas period, along with a reminder to use the green bin to recycle as much as possible, including glass bottles and jars.

All households are being sent flyers from today and encouraged to be aware of when their collections days will be over the festive holidays. Details can also be seen at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/check-your-bin-day, on the Leeds Bins app where collection-day reminders can be sent to users’ phones, and via the council’s social media messaging.

The service will only be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, with crews operating throughout the rest of the festive period, including Sundays.

So that no-one misses out on their bin being emptied, collection days will change from Sunday 21 December until Sunday 4 January. Collection days return to normal from Monday 5 January 2026.

Aside from the bin collection dates, the Christmas bins messaging also includes guidance on types of glass to be put in the green bin to be recycled. It also explains why batteries should not be disposed of in household bins as they can cause fires, so instead need to be taken to the nearest battery recycling collection point. 

For any extra festive waste and packaging, household waste recycling centres will be open each day from 8am to 4pm except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Check https://www.leeds.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/recycling-sites for more information.

Once the festive celebrations, the council is supporting both St Gemma's and Sue Ryder hospices in Leeds who are offering their services to collect Christmas trees again in early January. To see the details visit https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/top-tips-for-a-greener-christmas. 

Leeds City Council executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space Councillor Mohammed Rafique said: 

“We hope everyone in Leeds enjoys a great Christmas, but we know this time of year bins get filled up quickly so it is important all households are aware when their collections will be over the holiday period and remember to put their bins out at the right time.

“We are keen to encourage people to recycle as much as possible and to use the household waste recycling centres if they need to. As well as the obvious extra festive packaging and cardboard, we would like to use this opportunity remind everyone that they can also put empty glass bottles and jars in their green bin. We also thank all of the waste teams working over the Christmas holidays, their efforts are much appreciated.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007