Blackpool prepares for upcoming waste and recycling changes

Blackpool residents are gearing up for changes to bin collections.

The Government is introducing Simpler Recycling, a national programme that aims to make recycling services more consistent across the country, including weekly food waste collections.

In Blackpool, the council is also making local changes to waste and recycling, including the move to a three-weekly bin collection cycle, alongside the new weekly food waste collections.

Changes are taking place to bin collections across the country to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration. The changes are aimed to help reach the government-set 65% recycling target by 2035 – Blackpool's current rate is 40.5%

Currently, on average, a third of waste collected in grey-lidded general waste bins could be recycled, which would increase the recycling rate, and mean bins don’t fill up as fast.

Councillor Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate Change said: “Our current recycling rate stands at 40.5%, so we’re still a bit away from the government’s target of 65%.

“By making small changes at home and continuing to support recycling in our community, I believe that we can get there together. We’re also making green waste subscriptions cheaper and the additional things that can be recycled will create more space in people’s black bins for the three-weekly collection.

“These changes are an important part of making our town greener. Change is difficult, but we have based our decision on evidence and what already works in other parts of the country.”

What has been introduced so far?

Throughout November and December 2025, bigger blue bins were delivered to most Blackpool households. Deliveries of new brown bins to replace brown sacks are ongoing. This gives residents more space to recycle more, helping to get ready for the change in collection frequency.

Phase one of the blue bin delivery programme is almost complete. Households that have not yet received a larger blue bin can request a delivery at www.blackpool.gov.uk/BlueBinSwap or visit a local library for help completing the online form. This service is available to households on wheeled-bin collections only.

A trial of community bin hubs was introduced in October to help households without wheeled bins recycle more easily. These hubs are primarily for residents on red sack collections but can also be used by any residents recycling cans, bottles or accepted food packaging while on-the-go, with more planned across the town.

Locations are available at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/BinHubs

What to expect next

Food caddy deliveries

From early 2026, households on wheeled bins will receive food waste caddies ahead of weekly food waste collections starting in April. Each household will receive a small 7-litre indoor caddy, a 23-litre outdoor caddy with a secure locking handle and two rolls of liners. Collections will not begin until April.

From April, food waste will be collected weekly, while grey, blue and brown bins will move to a three-weekly rotation.

An example collection cycle may include:

§ Week 1: Grey lidded bin – household waste

§ Week 2: Blue lidded bin – glass, cans and plastics

§ Week 3: Brown lidded bin – paper and cardboard

§ Weekly: Food waste caddy

Collection days may vary by household, with new schedules available to view from mid-March. Please note, council teams cannot provide this information any earlier than this date.

Residents can recycle most food waste, including plate scrapings, fruit and vegetables, meat and fish (including bones), dairy products, baked goods, tea bags, coffee grounds and pet food. Food waste should be placed in a liner or bag before being transferred to the outdoor caddy.

There will be no immediate changes for households on red sack collections. Community bin hubs are available to support recycling of household waste, including food waste.

Waste collection routes are being made more efficient to support the new collection schedule, meaning some households may move to a different collection day. Residents will be reminded to check their schedule via bin tags, the council website, libraries, customer first drop-ins and social media.

The garden waste subscription service will become cheaper, with fortnightly collections falling to £30 per year from April 2026-2027.

Why the changes are needed

Simpler Recycling is a UK-wide initiative, with national recycling targets set by the Government that local authorities are required to meet. Around a third of the average grey bin contains food waste, which can be recycled if collected separately.

Three-weekly bin collections are a proven approach already working well in areas including Oldham, Rochdale and Salford, helping to increase recycling and reduce waste sent to landfill.

The changes aim to reduce waste, improve recycling, meet national targets and deliver a cleaner, greener and more modern waste system for Blackpool residents.

A multi-channel campaign will support residents in preparing for the changes. This includes an informative printed flyer outlining the full details, which will be delivered to Blackpool households over the coming weeks. More information is available online at: www.blackpool.gov.uk/WasteChanges