Changes to bin collections over Christmas

Oldham Council has confirmed that there will be changes to Friday bin collections over the Christmas period.

As usual, there will be no bin collections on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Instead bins due to be emptied on Friday 25 December will be collected earlier - on Saturday, December 19 (except for food and garden containers).

Bins due for collection on Friday January 1 (including food and garden containers) will be collected a day later on Saturday 2 January.

The council say they will be delivering leaflets to households in the affected areas over the coming days, as well as issuing reminders on their social media channels. 

Residents can also check their collection calendar or use the online post code checker at www.oldham.gov.uk/waste

People whose collection day doesn't fall on any of the above dates should put their bins out as usual, the council has said. 

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, said: “Due to the way Christmas falls the vast majority of residents won’t be affected by these changes.

“But if your bins are usually collected on a Friday please just take a minute to familiarise yourself with the arrangements.

“This year it’s been hard for all of us and our waste teams have worked in some very trying circumstances and in all weathers. This Christmas our staff get three full days off to enjoy with their families, like most people get to do at this time of year.”

After the festive period, residents are being encouraged to appropriately recycle their Christmas trees if they plan to get rid of them. 

One option is putting it in your green bin by chopping it into small pieces, removing the wooden block from the base of the tree and taking off any lights and decorations. 

Alternatively, people can take it to their local tip or to one of the following recycling ‘drop off’ points from December 29 until January 31:

• Higher Memorial Park (car park), Joseph Street, Failsworth (open dawn until dusk)

• Royton Park (car park) off Bleasdale Street, Royton. Anytime access

• Werneth Park (car park) off Frederick Street, Werneth (open dawn until dusk)

• Churchill Playing Fields (car park), Wellington Road, Greenfield. Anytime access.

Christmas cards, wrapping paper and cardboard packaging can be recycled in the blue bins or recycling bags.

Anyone who has things that are too big to fit in their bin can either: 

• Take them to Arkwright Street Waste and Recycling Centre, Oldham, OL9 9LZ - for free. Or to find your nearest tip, visit www.recycle4greatermanchester.com

• Arrange for them to be collected by Bulky Bobs. To book a collection, call 0161 770 6644.