The Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms require councils across England to collect recyclable materials in a more consistent way. As part of these changes, designed to simplify recycling services and improve the quality of recyclable materials collected, we'll be introducing wheeled bins for kerbside recycling next year.
The decision to move to wheeled recycling bins was approved by a Full Council on 17 September 2026.
Prior to the decision, we conducted an online survey between 23 March and 1 May 2026, alongside a series of in-person drop-in sessions, to gather feedback on the proposed move to two wheeled bins for recycling. We received around 13,000 survey responses - thank you to all residents who took time to share their views, which helped to shape the decision.
By introducing wheeled recycling bins, we aim to:
- increase recycling capacity for many households
- help keep recyclable materials dry and contained
- reduce the risk of litter caused by materials being blown from boxes
- improve the efficiency of collections
- improve health and safety, by reducing the amount of lifting and manual handling required for residents and collection crews
Get more information on:
- who will receive new recycling bins
- upcoming changes to your recycling service
- request larger recycling bins
Who will receive new recycling bins
We'll contact households eligible to receive wheeled bins for kerbside recycling, to provide further information, including delivery dates and details of any changes that may affect them.
We understand that some people may not wish to change. However, once recycling wheeled bins are delivered we cannot collect recycling in boxes at the kerbside; we must use a system that works best for the majority of the city. When wheeled bins are in use for recycling, unused recycling boxes can be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), or you may keep them to use as planters or storage.
You may be eligible for a free assisted waste collection if you live alone and have difficulty moving wheeled bins, for example due to age, a disability, or mobility issues. You can apply for an assisted collection at any time; email: ycc@york.gov.uk or telephone: 01904 551551. If you already have an assisted waste collection, new recycling bins will be collected from the same location as your household waste.
We recognise that wheeled bins may not be suitable for every property. We're working to find solutions where storage space, access or other points mean wheeled bins may not be suitable and will provide further information to affected households before the new service is introduced.
Changes will not affect:
- properties that recently received bins through the Bags to Bins scheme in 2025 and 2026
- households that have their recycling collected by St Nick's
- properties that use black sacks for household waste collections
- flats and apartments using communal bins
If your home is not included in the first phase, we'll contact you directly if any future changes affect your recycling service.
Upcoming changes to your recycling service
The new recycling bins are planned for households that currently receive household waste collections using black wheeled bins, and a kerbside recycling collection using boxes (excluding recycling collected by St Nick's).
Government guidance recommends paper and cardboard to be collected separately from other recyclable materials wherever this is technically, environmentally and economically practicable. In York we already collect recycling in 2 separate 'streams'; this is why households will receive 2 recycling bins:
- 1 bin with blue lid for paper and cardboard
- 1 bin with red lid for plastics, cans, glass and cartons
This approach reflects both national policy requirements and the capabilities of the facilities used to process York’s recycling.
The standard 180 litre bins are expected to provide sufficient recycling capacity for most households, if using 3 x 55 litre recycling boxes. In fact, switching to wheeled recycling bins will increase the amount of recycling capacity for most households by 30 litres (based on 2 x 180 litre bins) or by 150 litres (based on 2 x 240 litre bins).
Since the new wheeled bins give you more room for recycling, each one only needs to be collected every 4 weeks.
Collections of recycling bins will swap between 'red bin' and'blue bin', with with household waste collections in between (also every 2 weeks).
A typical collection cycle could be:
- week 1 - household waste
- week 2 - paper and cardboard recycling (blue)
- week 3 - household waste
- week 4 - plastics, cans, glass and carton recycling (red)
Garden waste collections (for subscribed households) will also continue to be collected every 2 weeks, alongside either your household collection, or red/blue recycling collection.
The type and day of collections at your postcode will continue to be listed in our Waste Collection Calendar. If youur 'usual collection day' is due change when the new service is introduced, we'll provide details before the new service begins.
On occasion, small amounts of recycling may be collected alongside your recycling bins, for example, a larger cardboard item that does not fit inside the bin, such as a TV box; see guidance on excess and additional recycling.
How to request a bigger bin
To help us plan the new service, we are asking households may need larger 240 litre recycling bins, to make a request by 30 October 2026.
Request larger recycling bins, if for example you:
- have a large household
- regularly produce more recycling than average
- currently fill 4 or more recycling boxes
For help completing the request form contact Customer Services, telephone: 01904 551 551.