Find Your Merton Bin Day, Calendar, Set-Out Time & Missed Collection Route
Start with your exact address. Merton collection arrangements differ between ordinary kerbside homes, communal-bin blocks and properties with time-banded bag collections, so a borough-wide weekday is not enough.
This guide explains the 6am standard rule, the 6pm–8pm time band, fortnightly rubbish and recycling, weekly food waste, missed-bin deadlines, garden waste, free bulky collections, new containers, assisted collections, Garth Road and current 2026 service details.
Merton Bin Collection: 30-Second Answer
Use Merton Council’s live collection-day checker for your exact property. Most standard kerbside containers must be at the front edge of the property by 6am. Rubbish, paper/card and mixed-container recycling normally operate on fortnightly cycles, while food waste is normally weekly.
A time-banded property follows a different system. These properties normally have two collection days each week and must put bags out only between 6pm and 8pm.
Jump to the Merton waste task you need
- Check collection date
- 2026 calendar
- 6am set-out rules
- Time-banded collections
- Bin frequencies
- What goes where
- Food waste
- Missed collections
- Garden waste
- New & larger bins
- Assisted collections
- Flats & communal bins
- Bulky waste
- Pop-up tips
- Garth Road
- Clinical & special waste
- Christmas & bank holidays
- Official services
- FAQs
How to Check Your Merton Bin Collection Day
Merton’s official address service should be your first stop. It can show the collection information attached to the selected property and, for most non-communal households, provide a printable calendar or an option to add dates to an online calendar.
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Open Merton Council’s collection-day service.
Start with the live council page rather than an old PDF or a neighbour’s timetable. -
Enter your postcode and choose the exact address.
Check the house or flat number carefully, particularly in converted properties and blocks. -
Read each waste stream separately.
Record the date and whether it applies to rubbish, paper/card, mixed-container recycling, food waste or subscribed garden waste. -
Check whether the property is time-banded.
A flat above a shop or a property on a high-footfall street may use evening bag collections instead of the normal 6am kerbside routine. -
Save the latest calendar.
Print it or add the official dates to your online calendar where that option is available.
Merton Bin Collection Calendar 2026
Merton’s household calendars are route-specific. A saved calendar is useful for reminders, but the live address result should take priority if the council changes a round or issues a temporary instruction.
Best for tonight or tomorrow
Search the exact property and confirm the next collection before putting containers out.
Best for household planning
Most standard properties can download a collection calendar after selecting the address.
Best for reminders
Add official dates to your digital calendar and set an evening-before reminder.
Merton Bin Collection Time: Standard 6am Rules
For ordinary kerbside collections, Merton says rubbish and recycling should be correctly presented by 6am on collection day.
Front edge
Place containers at the front edge of the property, within arm’s reach of the pavement.
Visible to the crew
Keep the bin, box or caddy where collection staff can see and reach it from the pavement.
Not on the pavement
Standard household containers should remain within the property boundary rather than obstructing the public pavement or road.
- Use the correct container for the waste stream.
- Wheelie-bin lids must close.
- Do not leave non-recyclable side waste next to or on top of the rubbish bin.
- Bag-collection sacks should be securely tied and not split.
- Collection times can move because of roadworks, weather or operational changes, so do not rely on the vehicle arriving at its usual hour.
Time-Banded Collections for Flats Above Shops and Busy Streets
Some Merton properties use evening bag collections rather than standard wheelie-bin presentation. This can apply to flats above shops or premises whose entrance is on a high-footfall street.
Put bags out 6pm–8pm
Use only the permitted evening window on the property’s assigned collection days. Collection starts from 8pm.
Two collection days each week
The live checker identifies the assigned days. Do not apply a normal fortnightly wheelie-bin calendar to a time-banded property.
Purple = recycling
Use Merton purple bags for accepted recycling. The council says residents can put out as many suitable purple recycling bags as needed.
Black bag = general rubbish
Use a black sack, or remaining Merton-logo blue rubbish bags until those old bags run out. Put out no more than one general-rubbish bag on each collection day.
Merton Rubbish, Recycling, Food and Garden Collection Pattern
Houses with the standard container system separate paper/card from plastics, glass, cans and cartons. Flats and bag-service properties can have a different container setup, so follow what the council has assigned to the exact address.
| Waste stream | Typical container | Normal frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Non-recyclable rubbish | Black-lidded wheelie bin, normally 180L | Every 2 weeks |
| Paper & card | Blue-lidded wheelie bin, normally 180L | Every 2 weeks |
| Plastics, glass, cans & cartons | Green recycling box, normally 55L | Every 2 weeks |
| Food waste | Indoor caddy plus outdoor food bin | Every week |
| Garden waste | Subscribed council bin or branded sacks | Every 2 weeks |
What Goes in Merton Recycling?
Blue-lidded bin: paper & card
- Newspapers and magazines
- Junk mail and catalogues
- Envelopes
- Card and cardboard packaging
- Egg boxes
- Toilet and kitchen-roll tubes
Flatten large cardboard. Keep food-soiled card, tissues and plastic bags out.
Green box: mixed containers
- Aerosols
- Aluminium foil
- Cans and tins
- Food and drink cartons
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastic bottles
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays
Empty and rinse containers, squash suitable plastic bottles and remove film lids.
Weekly Merton Food Waste Collection
Food waste is normally collected every week. Standard households use an indoor kitchen caddy and a larger outdoor food-waste bin.
Food accepted
- Bread and bakery goods
- Dairy products
- Fruit and vegetables
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Peelings and eggshells
- Meat, fish and bones
- Rice and pasta
Keep out
- Plastic bags
- Food packaging
- Liquids
- Oil or liquid fat
- Kitchen roll
Merton recommends a compostable caddy liner or newspaper. If foxes are a problem, lock the outdoor-bin handle, keep the bin secure until collection day and avoid leaving food waste accessible overnight.
Merton Missed Bin: When You Can Report It
Do not report a Merton household collection simply because the vehicle has not arrived at its usual time. The online missed-collection route opens after collections in the area have finished or after 11:59pm on the scheduled day, whichever happens first.
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Recheck the exact collection date.
Confirm that the affected rubbish, recycling or food-waste stream was actually scheduled. -
Check presentation.
Standard containers should have been out correctly by 6am with closed lids, correct contents and clear crew access. -
Wait for the reporting window.
Report only after the local round is complete or after 11:59pm on collection day, whichever is sooner. -
Report within two working days.
If more time has passed, Merton says it cannot normally return before the next scheduled collection. -
Leave the container at the front edge.
After a successful report, keep it available for the returning crew.
Before pressing “Report”
Merton Garden Waste Collection 2026
Merton’s garden-waste service is optional and chargeable. The current annual subscription is £99 per hired bin or pack of 25 sacks. A newly delivered garden wheelie bin has a separate £19 delivery charge.
Annual price
£99 per subscribed bin or pack of 25 sacks.
New-bin delivery
£19 for each new garden wheelie bin delivered.
Frequency
Normally fortnightly throughout the subscription.
Missed collection
Garden-waste terms say report a qualifying miss within 48 hours.
New customers can choose a 140-litre or 240-litre wheelie-bin option, or a pack of 25 paper sacks where a bin is unsuitable. The subscription starts when the container is received and runs for one year.
Remaining published 2026 A/B garden weeks
The official garden calendar shows week-commencing dates, not the exact weekday for every home. Use the address checker first to identify whether the property is on yellow A or white B.
| Month | Yellow A | White B |
|---|---|---|
| September 2026 | Week commencing 21 September | Week commencing 28 September |
| October 2026 | 5 October, 19 October | 12 October, 26 October |
| November 2026 | 2 November, 16 November, 30 November | 9 November, 23 November |
Garden-waste presentation
- Use only the council-supplied garden bin or branded sacks.
- Put them at the front edge close to the pavement by 6am.
- Present a wheelie bin with its handle facing the road.
- The lid must close.
- The container must be light enough for one person to move safely.
- No side waste is collected.
What can go in?
Accepted garden material
- Grass cuttings
- Leaves
- Hedge trimmings
- Prunings and twigs
- Weeds and plants
- Small branches and bark
- Fallen fruit
- Cut flowers
Keep out
- Soil and rubble
- Plant pots and trays
- Animal bedding
- Food waste
- Plastic or compostable bags
- Wire, string or metal
- Japanese knotweed
- Branches over the published size limit
New, Missing, Damaged and Larger Merton Bins
Merton says standard containers and bags are normally delivered within 10 working days. While waiting, store the waste safely or use Garth Road where appropriate.
| Container | Typical size | Current delivery charge |
|---|---|---|
| Black-lidded refuse wheelie bin | Standard 180L | £19 |
| Blue-lidded paper/card bin | 180L | No charge |
| Mixed-recycling box | 55L | No charge |
| Outdoor food-waste caddy | 23L | No charge |
| Kitchen food caddy | 7L | No charge |
Larger rubbish bin
A household may qualify for a larger 240-litre rubbish bin when it already uses the normal wheelie-bin service and either has five or more residents or produces extra unavoidable non-recyclable waste because of a medical condition.
The current delivery charge is £19. Merton may assess how the household uses recycling and food-waste services before approving the larger container.
Assisted Collections for Residents Who Cannot Move Bins
An assisted collection may be available where a resident cannot physically move the containers and nobody else in the household can help. The need can be temporary, such as recovery from surgery, or longer-term because of a lasting disability.
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Call the Merton waste helpline.
Apply on 020 8274 4902 and explain whether the assistance is temporary or ongoing. -
Provide evidence if requested.
Merton may ask for information supporting eligibility. -
Agree an accessible collection point.
Containers must be permanently stored at the front of the property where the crew can reach them. -
Label containers clearly.
Add the house number so the crew can return them to the correct property.
Merton Flats and Communal Bin Collections
A large block with shared bins should not follow the standard house setup automatically. Communal rubbish, recycling and food arrangements are linked to the development, and the managing agent or landlord is responsible for arranging replacement communal containers.
Communal block
Use the bins assigned to the building and follow labels on the communal containers.
Flat above a shop
Check whether the address uses the separate 6pm–8pm time-banded bag collection.
No outside bin space
Merton may provide property-appropriate striped or clear bags rather than standard wheelie bins.
Merton Bulky Waste Collection 2026
Since 1 June 2026, Merton households can book one free bulky-waste collection of up to three eligible items every 12 months, subject to the council’s published conditions and available booking slots.
Free entitlement
One collection of up to 3 eligible items every 12 months.
Extra 1–3 items
Further collection: £39.75.
4–6 items
Current published charge: £66.
Advance booking
Slots can be booked up to 60 days ahead.
The household must be up to date with Merton Council Tax. Slots are weekday-only, exclude public holidays and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Examples Merton can collect
- Ovens, fridges, freezers and dishwashers
- Televisions and computer monitors
- Bags of small electrical items
- Beds, sofas and armchairs
- Freestanding wardrobes
- Manageable rolls of carpet or underlay
- Suitable bagged household waste
Examples the service does not collect
- Garden waste, soil or turf
- Rubble, hardcore or bricks
- Paving slabs or plasterboard
- Roofing material
- Fitted kitchen units or built-in wardrobes
- Doors, windows and large glass sheets
- Paint, tyres, gas cylinders or asbestos
Merton Pop-Up Tips
Merton operates mobile pop-up recycling hubs around the borough. The current service says every neighbourhood receives a pop-up tip at least four times a year, with upcoming locations searchable by postcode.
You can bring
- Paper and card
- Drinks cans
- Glass
- Soft plastics
- Small household electricals
- Household batteries
- Suitable bulky furniture and white goods
Do not bring
- Garden waste
- Tyres, paint or chemicals
- Needles
- Gas bottles
- Asbestos
- Commercial or industrial waste
- Textiles
- Black-bag non-recyclable household rubbish
Pop-up tips are for Merton residents. Bring proof of address such as a driving licence, Council Tax bill or utility bill, and hand items to staff rather than leaving waste at the site.
Garth Road Household Reuse and Recycling Centre, Morden
Merton’s main household recycling centre is at 63–69 Amenity Way, off Garth Road, Morden, SM4 4AX. It is for Merton residents and proof of address is required.
Ordinary car
Book before visiting. Slots can be booked from one hour to 13 days ahead when available.
Walking or cycling
No booking is required, but take proof that you live in Merton. Staff receive items at the gate.
Van or trailer
A separate booking and access regime applies, with tighter opening hours and vehicle limits.
| Visitor / vehicle | Opening time | Important rule |
|---|---|---|
| Cars without trailers, pedestrians and cyclists | 8am–4pm, 7 days a week | Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Cars need a booked slot. |
| Vans, trailers and qualifying larger vehicles | Mon–Fri 8:30am–1:30pm; Sat 9am–midday; Sun closed | Booking essential and additional vehicle limits apply. |
The standard car/pedestrian/cycle service is open on ordinary bank holidays. Christmas Eve is currently listed as 8am to midday, while Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day are closed. Recheck before a festive visit.
Van and trailer limits
- Eligible van/large-vehicle users can bring up to 250kg over a six-month period.
- Access is limited to up to 12 visits a year.
- Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross weight are not allowed.
- Vehicles over 5 metres long are not allowed.
- Luton-style box vehicles, tipper trucks and vehicles with more than four wheels are excluded.
- A vehicle and trailer combination over 5 metres is not allowed.
- The published maximum van height is 6ft 4in.
Clinical Waste, Sharps, Batteries and Other Special Items
Clinical waste
Merton offers a clinical-waste service. A GP must apply on behalf of a resident before eligible home-treatment collections begin.
Sharps
Needles and syringes must be placed in an approved sharps container. Once registered, residents can arrange collection through the waste helpline.
Non-infectious hygiene waste
Nappies, sanitary products and incontinence pads can go in ordinary household rubbish when they are non-infectious, bagged and sealed.
Bank Holidays, Christmas and New Year Collections
Merton says normal rubbish and recycling collections continue on ordinary bank holidays. Christmas and New Year are the standing exception.
Recheck the exact address calendar and Merton Council’s waste/news pages when the December 2026 timetable is published.
Official Merton Waste Services by Task
Open official collection guidance
Open Merton set-out guidance
Open time-band rules
Open missed-collection service
Open garden-waste hub
Open container requests
Open assisted-collection guidance
Open bulky-waste service
Open Garth Road guidance
Merton Bin Collection FAQs
How do I check my Merton bin collection day?
Use Merton Council’s official collection-day service, enter the postcode, select the exact property and read each waste stream separately. Most standard properties can also download a PDF calendar or add dates to an online calendar.
What time should Merton bins be put out?
Standard kerbside containers should be correctly presented at the front edge of the property by 6am. Time-banded properties use a different evening window, normally 6pm to 8pm.
How often is rubbish collected in Merton?
Standard non-recyclable household rubbish is normally collected every two weeks. Check the exact address calendar for the actual date.
How often is Merton recycling collected?
Paper/card and mixed-container recycling are normally collected on fortnightly cycles at standard kerbside properties. The exact container setup can differ for flats and bag-service properties.
How often is food waste collected?
Food waste is normally collected every week. Use the property calendar to confirm the collection day.
When can I report a missed Merton bin?
You can report after collections in the area have finished or after 11:59pm on the scheduled day, whichever is sooner. The report must normally be made within two working days.
How quickly will Merton return after a valid missed-bin report?
If the waste was correctly presented and the report was submitted within the deadline, Merton says it will return within two working days.
How much is Merton garden waste collection?
The current annual charge is £99 per subscribed bin or pack of 25 sacks. A newly delivered garden wheelie bin has a separate £19 delivery charge.
Can I get a larger rubbish bin?
You may qualify for a larger 240-litre rubbish bin if the household has five or more residents or produces extra unavoidable non-recyclable waste because of a medical condition. The current delivery charge is £19.
Is Merton bulky waste collection free?
Each eligible Merton household can currently book one free collection of up to three eligible bulky items every 12 months. Further collections of up to three items cost £39.75, while a four-to-six-item collection costs £66.
Do I need to book Garth Road?
You must book before visiting Garth Road by car. Pedestrians and cyclists do not need a booking but must take proof of a Merton address. Vans, trailers and larger vehicles have separate booking and access rules.
Do Merton bin collections change on bank holidays?
Collections normally continue on ordinary bank holidays. Christmas and New Year are the main standing exception, so check the latest festive timetable for your property.
Final Merton Bin-Day Checklist
- Search the exact address rather than using a neighbourhood timetable.
- Record both the collection date and the waste stream.
- Check whether the property is standard, communal or time-banded.
- Present standard containers at the front edge by 6am.
- Use only the 6pm–8pm window where the address has a time-banded service.
- Keep wheelie-bin lids closed and collection points visible.
- Separate paper/card from plastics, glass, cans and cartons where the standard house system applies.
- Wait until the missed-report window opens before reporting.
- Submit a valid missed collection within two working days.
- Leave the container available after a successful missed-bin report.
- For garden waste, identify the property’s A/B week before using the PDF.
- Book before driving to Garth Road.
- Check Christmas 2026 separately once the new festive timetable is published.
Independent resident guide: BinCollectionGuide.org is not Merton Council or its waste contractor. Collection dates, charges, booking availability, service restrictions and festive arrangements can change. Complete address-specific checks, reports, payments and bookings through the relevant official council service.