Preston City Council prepares for new waste and recycling services

Preston City Council’s series of new waste and recycling initiatives begin next week

They include changes to waste and recycling collection rounds, the introduction of weekly food waste collections, an easier way for residents to recycle household batteries, and the addition of cartons and Tetra Paks to the yellow-lidded recycling bin.

Changes to collection days, along with the launch of food waste recycling, will begin on Monday 20 April 2026.

Changes to collection rounds

Preston has experienced significant residential growth in recent years, with more than 10,000 new homes built across the city, particularly in areas such as Cottam.

To reflect this growth and ensure collections remain reliable and efficient, the Council has reviewed and made changes to the collection days in Preston. Residents affected will receive a new collection calendar and can also check their new days by visiting the council’s website (preston.gov.uk/bindays) and inputting their postcode.

Food waste recycling

From Monday 20 April, households with kerbside collections will receive a new weekly food waste recycling service.

Each household will have been provided with two food waste caddies; one for indoor use and one for outdoor use, along with liners and an information leaflet explaining how to use the service.

Residents are now encouraged to start using their food waste caddies to recycle items such as peelings, leftovers, egg shells, meat bones and other food waste, helping to reduce food waste and support a greener Preston.

The first phase of the rollout will focus on residential properties with kerbs and driveways. A second phase, extending to flats, pink-bag households and properties with shared or communal arrangements, will follow later in 2026.

Mark Taylor, Interim Director of Environment and Property, said: “Our waste management team is constantly working to make it easier for residents to recycle their waste. The next couple of months will be a particularly busy time as we introduce new collection rounds across the city alongside the launch of food waste recycling.

“We appreciate the patience of residents while these changes are put in place and thank them for their continued support.”

Battery recycling

An improved battery recycling service was introduced in February 2026.

Residents can now recycle small household batteries by placing them in a clear bag, such as a sandwich bag, tying it securely and placing it on top of their black bin lid on the day of collection. We encourage residents not to leave their batteries out overnight.

The scheme has already filled multiple containers within two months, significantly reducing the risk of bin wagon fires caused by incorrect battery disposal. It also ensures that valuable materials such as metals can be recovered, while preventing hazardous chemicals from entering the environment.

Recycling of Cartons

Preston City Council is also expanding its recycling service to include carton such as juice, milk and soup cartons that can now be recycled in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. Residents are reminded to rinse cartons before placing them in the bin.