Telford & Wrekin Bin Collection 2026: Dates, Calendar & Christmas

Telford & Wrekin • 2026 household waste guide • Updated September 2026

Check Your Telford & Wrekin Bin Day, 2026 Calendar and Christmas Changes

Telford & Wrekin collection dates are property-specific. Use the council’s Bin Day Finder, choose your exact address and check which containers are due before putting anything out.

This updated guide covers the normal 7am presentation rule, purple and red-top bins, blue bags, weekly food waste, green garden bins, Christmas 2026 changes, missed collections, replacement containers, assisted collections, bulky waste and the Hortonwood and Halesfield recycling centres.

Telford & Wrekin Bin Collection: Quick Answer

Use Telford & Wrekin Council’s address-based collection service. Enter your postcode, select the exact property and check both the date and the container due. You can also download the current rubbish and recycling calendar and sign up for reminder emails.

For a normal kerbside collection, present containers on the public footpath or roadside closest to the edge of the property by 7am, or no earlier than the evening before. An agreed assisted-collection point is an exception.

Exact date Check by address
Set-out time By 7am
Food waste Weekly
Main bins Normally fortnightly
Green waste Standard service free
Jump to the Telford & Wrekin task you need

How to Check Your Telford & Wrekin Bin Collection Day

There is no single collection date that applies to every property in Telford, Wellington, Newport, Madeley, Dawley, Oakengates, Donnington, Lawley, Ironbridge or the surrounding borough. The council’s property lookup is the correct starting point.

  1. Open the council collection-day page.
    Use the live official route instead of copying a neighbour’s timetable or an old calendar.
  2. Enter your postcode.
    Use the postcode for the actual property receiving the household collection.
  3. Select the exact address.
    Flats, shared sites, new developments and neighbouring properties can have different arrangements.
  4. Read the container as well as the date.
    Check whether the due service is purple-top recycling, blue-bag paper/card, red-top refuse, green garden waste or food waste.
  5. Save the calendar or reminders.
    The council provides an address-specific calendar and reminder-email option.
Best routine: check the live finder the evening before, identify every container due and have the correct items at the collection point before 7am.

Telford & Wrekin Bin Collection Calendar 2026/27

The council’s collection-day service provides the current rubbish and recycling calendar for the selected property. This is more reliable than publishing one static borough-wide calendar because different rounds operate on different days.

Download

Save your property calendar

Keep the current calendar on your phone or print a copy for the household.

Reminder

Use free email reminders

The council offers reminder emails before the next scheduled collection.

Verify

Recheck holiday weeks

Bank-holiday and festive arrangements can override the normal weekday.

Do not use a 2025 calendar to predict 2026 dates. Generate the current calendar for the exact address.

Telford & Wrekin Christmas Bin Collection 2026

Telford & Wrekin Council has now published the Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027 collection changes. The first Christmas week includes several earlier collections, so waiting until the normal weekday can mean missing the round.

Published Telford & Wrekin Christmas 2026 collection changes
Normal collection day Revised collection day Change
Monday 21 December 2026 Saturday 19 December 2026 Earlier
Tuesday 22 December 2026 Monday 21 December 2026 Earlier
Wednesday 23 December 2026 Tuesday 22 December 2026 Earlier
Thursday 24 December 2026 Wednesday 23 December 2026 Earlier
Friday 25 December 2026 Thursday 24 December 2026 Earlier
Monday 28 December 2026 Monday 28 December 2026 Normal day
Tuesday 29 December 2026 Tuesday 29 December 2026 Normal day
Wednesday 30 December 2026 Wednesday 30 December 2026 Normal day
Thursday 31 December 2026 Thursday 31 December 2026 Normal day
Friday 1 January 2027 Saturday 2 January 2027 Later
Normal collection days resume from Monday 4 January 2027.
Hortonwood and Halesfield Household Recycling Centres are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Telford & Wrekin Waste Collection Frequency

The main dry recycling, household rubbish and green-waste containers normally follow fortnightly rounds, while household food waste is collected weekly. Always use the address finder for the exact date.

Normal Telford & Wrekin household waste collection pattern
Container Purpose Normal frequency Key rule
Purple-top bin Mixed recycling Fortnightly Accepted recycling loose in the bin.
Blue bag Paper and cardboard Fortnightly Keep separate from purple-top recycling.
Red-top bin Non-recyclable household rubbish Fortnightly Lid closed; normal side waste is not accepted.
Green bin Garden waste Fortnightly Garden material only.
Food caddy Household food waste Weekly Put it out even when the amount is small.

What Goes in Telford & Wrekin Bins, Bags and Caddies?

Purple-top bin

Cans, glass bottles and jars, aerosols, foil, plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays and accepted cartons.

Blue bag

Paper and cardboard including newspapers, magazines, catalogues, junk mail and flattened cardboard.

Red-top bin

Household rubbish that cannot use the recycling, food-waste or garden-waste services.

Green bin

Grass, leaves, hedge clippings, dead plants, prunings and small branches.

Food caddy

Cooked and uncooked food, bones, eggshells, fruit, vegetables, bread, tea and coffee grounds.

Flats and apartments can be different. The council says flats normally use a blue bag and purple bag indoors before taking the materials to the appropriate communal recycling area.

Purple-Top Bin: Important 2026 Recycling Change

Since 1 April 2026, empty food and liquid cartons can be recycled in the purple-top bin. Examples include long-life milk cartons, plant-based drink cartons, soup and sauce cartons and similar accepted packaging.

Accepted examples

  • Food and drink cans
  • Aerosols
  • Clean foil and foil trays
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastic bottles and lids
  • Plastic pots, tubs and trays
  • Food and liquid cartons

Keep these out

  • Plastic carrier bags
  • Cling film
  • Polystyrene
  • Paper and cardboard
  • Crisp packets
  • Food waste
  • Gas canisters
Extra recycling: suitable additional recycling can be presented beside the purple-top bin, but do not use black sacks because crews need to identify the material.

Weekly Food Waste Collection

Telford & Wrekin’s food-waste service is free and weekly. The council advises putting the outdoor caddy out each week even if it contains only a small amount.

Food waste can include

  • Cooked and uncooked food
  • Meat, fish and bones
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Bread and pastries
  • Tea and coffee grounds
  • Mouldy or out-of-date food
  • Pet food

Keep out

  • Liquids
  • Oils and fats
  • Plastic bags
  • Nappies
  • Packaging
  • Cling film
  • Animal bedding
  • Animal waste
Communal properties can use a shared silver-top food-waste wheelie bin. Plastic carrier bags must not be used to transport food waste into that communal container.

Where and When to Put Telford Bins Out

By 7am

Present bins and containers by 7am on the scheduled collection day.

Property edge

Use the public footpath or roadside closest to the edge of the property unless another point is agreed.

Close the lid

Overfilled containers and red-bin side waste can lead to non-collection.

Keep access clear

Blocked roads, parked vehicles or inaccessible collection points can prevent safe collection.

Do not assume the lorry will arrive at the same time each fortnight. Routes and collection order can change.

Telford & Wrekin Missed Bin Collection: What to Do

Before reporting a missed bin, make sure the collection was actually due and that the container complied with the presentation rules. Wrong items, an open lid, excessive weight or late presentation can all explain why a container was left.

  1. Check the Bin Day Finder.
    Confirm the exact collection date and container due.
  2. Confirm it was out by 7am.
    If the crew had already passed before the container was presented, it is not treated in the same way as a correctly presented missed collection.
  3. Look for a label or recorded issue.
    Incorrect waste, excess weight, an open lid or another problem can cause non-collection.
  4. Report a genuine missed collection.
    Leave the missed container at the agreed collection point after reporting it.

When should a genuine missed bin be recollected?

Normal report The contractor has until 5pm on the next working day to return.
Reported Friday The next working day is normally Monday.
Problem disputed? Call 01952 384384 if you disagree with a contractor-recorded collection problem.
If you simply forgot to put the bin out, the council currently lists an optional paid return collection of £18 for some streams, arranged through the Contact Centre.

Snow, Ice and Severe Weather Collections

Severe weather can prevent a vehicle reaching a road safely or stop a bin being emptied. Telford & Wrekin gives different advice for garden waste and priority household streams.

Green garden bin

If the green bin is not emptied because of severe weather, take it back onto the property and present it on the next scheduled green-bin day.

Red, purple, blue and food waste

During weather disruption, the council can ask residents to leave these containers out safely for a later recovery collection.

During extreme high temperatures the council may issue temporary advice to present containers earlier than the normal 7am rule. Follow the live council notice if one is active.

Replacement, Additional and New Telford Bins

Missing or damaged container

Normal replacement household bins, bags and containers are currently supplied without a replacement charge.

Extra red-top bin

Households with six or more permanent residents may apply for an additional 140-litre red-top bin, subject to approval and a £25 non-refundable administration charge.

Additional green bin

An extra green garden-waste bin currently carries a one-off £25 charge per additional container.

Replacement timescale

The current council request page says contractors have up to five working days to repair, replace, deliver or collect relevant household containers.

New-build property

A newly built property that has never had its container set can attract a £25 non-refundable administration fee for delivery.

Current standard red-top sizing is normally 140 litres for one-bedroom properties and 180 litres for properties with two or more bedrooms. Older 240-litre red bins can remain until replacement is required.

Free Assisted Bin Collection

Residents can apply for free collection assistance where a long-standing illness or restricted mobility prevents normal presentation and there is no other person aged 16 or over in the household who can put the containers out.

Agreed collection point

The crew can collect bins from an agreed accessible point closer to the property.

Up to 5 working days

New requests can take up to five working days to process.

Accessible from 7am

Keep the agreed containers together and make sure the route is accessible for the crew.

Telford & Wrekin Green Bin and Garden Waste

Telford & Wrekin continues to provide the standard household green-waste collection without an annual subscription charge. The £25 fee applies when a household requests an additional green bin.

Accepted garden waste

  • Grass cuttings
  • Dead flowers and plants
  • Hedge clippings
  • Leaves
  • Prunings and cuttings
  • Small branches
  • Real Christmas tree pieces that fit inside with the lid closed

Keep out

  • Food waste
  • Animal bedding and pet litter
  • Nappies
  • Plastic
  • Soil and rubble
  • Timber and fencing
  • Turf
Extra garden waste: up to four suitable clear biodegradable garden-waste sacks can be presented beside the green bin on the scheduled collection day. Do not use black sacks.

Telford & Wrekin Bulky Waste Collection 2026/27

Large furniture and household items that cannot use the normal kerbside collection can be booked through the council’s paid bulky-item service. Payment is required before the collection date.

Telford & Wrekin bulky collection charges from 1 April 2026
Number of items Charge Important note
1 item £35 Pay before the scheduled collection.
2–6 items £45 Check how the council counts grouped items.
7–12 items £90 12 items is the upper band shown in the current charge table.
Shed structure £45 Specific dismantling, size and safety rules apply.

25% reduction

One collection in the 2026/27 charging year can receive a 25% reduction for qualifying households receiving specified benefits or meeting the council disability condition.

Glass must be safe

Glass in a bulky item must be securely covered and taped. Unsafe presentation can result in refusal.

Upholstered items

Keep soft furnishings separate from other items and as dry as reasonably possible.

Telford Household Recycling Centres: Hortonwood and Halesfield

Telford & Wrekin has two Household Recycling Centres. Since April 2026, access is for Telford & Wrekin Council residents, so take proof of address such as a driving licence or recent utility bill.

Hortonwood HRC

Hortonwood 50

Address:
Hortonwood 50
Hortonwood
Telford
TF1 7AA

Opening: 9am–5pm, seven days a week.

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Halesfield HRC

Halesfield 1

Address:
Halesfield 1
Halesfield
Telford
TF7 4LN

Opening: 9am–5pm, seven days a week.

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Residents only

Bring suitable proof of a Telford & Wrekin address when visiting.

E-permit vehicles

Some vans, trailers and larger vehicles need an electronic permit before visiting.

No trade waste

An E-permit does not allow commercial or business waste to be deposited at the sites.

Eligible households can receive a maximum of 10 E-permit visits in a rolling 12-month period. Proof of address is checked when the permit is used.

Batteries, Light Bulbs and Textiles at the Kerbside

Batteries should not be hidden inside ordinary household waste or recycling. Telford & Wrekin provides a separate kerbside presentation route for batteries, bulbs and suitable textiles.

Batteries

Put household batteries in a separate clear plastic bag and place it visibly on top of the purple-top bin.

Light bulbs

Use a separate clear bag. Do not mix batteries and bulbs together.

Textiles

Clean clothes and suitable textiles can be presented in an appropriate bag beside or on the purple-top collection, following current council guidance.

Do not use black refuse sacks or charity collection bags for kerbside textile recycling.

Official Telford & Wrekin Waste Services

Collection Day & Calendar Check the exact property, download the calendar and sign up for reminders.
Open collection-day service
Christmas & Bank Holiday Changes Current revised collection dates.
Open holiday changes
Missed Bin Collection Check reasons for non-collection and report a genuine missed service.
Open missed-bin service
Replacement & Additional Containers Missing, damaged and extra bins, bags and food-waste containers.
Open container request service
Bulky Household Items Current charges, accepted items and booking rules.
Open bulky collection guidance
Household Recycling Centres Hortonwood and Halesfield addresses, opening hours, site rules and E-permits.
Open HRC guidance
Bins and recycling contact: 01952 384384. The council also lists [email protected] for Recycling and Rubbish team enquiries. Use the dedicated online transaction where one is available.

Telford & Wrekin Bin Collection FAQs

How do I find my Telford & Wrekin bin collection date?

Use the official collection-day service, enter your postcode, select the exact property and check both the date and container due.

What time should Telford bins be put out?

Under the normal collection rule, present containers by 7am on the scheduled day at the public footpath or roadside nearest the property edge, unless you have an agreed assisted-collection point.

How often is the Telford purple-top bin collected?

The purple-top mixed-recycling bin normally follows a fortnightly collection cycle. Use the address finder for the actual date.

How often is the red-top rubbish bin collected?

The red-top household-rubbish bin normally follows a fortnightly collection cycle.

How often is food waste collected in Telford & Wrekin?

Household food waste is collected weekly. The council advises putting the outdoor food caddy out even when it contains only a small amount.

Is Telford green-bin collection free?

The standard household green-waste collection remains non-chargeable. A one-off £25 charge applies to each additional green bin requested.

How much is Telford bulky waste collection in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the published charges are £35 for one item, £45 for two to six items and £90 for seven to twelve items.

When will a genuine missed bin be recollected?

The council says the contractor has until 5pm on the next working day to return to a confirmed missed collection. A report made on Friday normally moves to Monday as the next working day.

Do Hortonwood and Halesfield recycling centres require proof of address?

Yes. Since April 2026 the Household Recycling Centres are for Telford & Wrekin residents, and visitors should bring proof of address such as a driving licence or recent utility bill.

What are the Telford Christmas bin collection changes for 2026?

Collections from Monday 21 December to Friday 25 December 2026 move earlier, while Monday 28 to Thursday 31 December remain on their normal days. The Friday 1 January 2027 collection moves to Saturday 2 January. Normal days resume Monday 4 January 2027.

Final Telford Bin-Night Check

  • Use the official finder for the exact property.
  • Check which container is actually due.
  • Have bins, bags and the food caddy ready by 7am.
  • Keep red-bin lids closed and avoid routine refuse side waste.
  • Keep paper/card separate in the blue bag.
  • Keep batteries out of ordinary bins.
  • Check Christmas 2026 revised dates before the festive week.
  • Only report a missed collection after checking the calendar and presentation rules.

Independent guide: BinCollectionGuide.org is not Telford & Wrekin Council or its waste contractor. Live collection dates, holiday changes, service reports, fees and eligibility decisions should be completed or confirmed through the council’s current services.

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