Change to kerbside waste and recycling collection times
In response to the increase in extreme hot weather events and to ensure the wellbeing of collection crews remains a priority, residents will be asked to present their waste and recycling containers by 6am
Background
Residents are currently asked to present their waste and recycling containers for emptying by 7am on their scheduled day of collection. Cheshire West Recycling (CWR) currently begin collections across the borough from this time. Collections will continue to take place from 7am, however in extreme hot weather events earlier collections can be made. Residents will need to make sure their containers are available for emptying by 6am to ensure they are emptied.
What is happening
A change to the container presentation time is being made to allow Cheshire West Recycling to safeguard the wellbeing of its crews whilst carrying out a more efficient service for both staff and residents.
This change will allow for greater flexibility during unforeseen circumstances. For example, the change supports any operational challenges, during extreme hot weather conditions with warnings announced by the MetOffice, where high temperatures during the day can be difficult for collection staff. Allowing an earlier start time during a hot weather spell will allow collections to take place during cooler working hours.
Other authorities across the country already have a presentation time of 6am so this change is nothing unusual for a kerbside collection service. The crews will continue to start collections at their usual time 7am, unless the Council and CWR collectively agree to an earlier collection due to a weather warning or where an earlier start means more residents can have their bins collected as scheduled. This would be to help limit the instances of suspending a service for the day due to hot weather, storm warnings or snowfall.
Residents can present their containers by 6am for every scheduled day regardless. This will avoid the potential for missed collections if CWR need to start collections at 6am to react to a specific event with little notice. Therefore, the public will not need to be notified at short notice as placing containers out for collection by 6am will be regular practice. Most residents put out their waste the night before and will be unaffected by the changes. If putting out their waste the night before, residents are asked to make sure that their waste is fully contained and the containers are not causing an obstruction.
When it is happening
This change is being introduced to the kerbside collection service from 26 May 2025.
- Information provided on the website will be updated – From Monday, 26 May
- Social media will be issued – From Thursday, 22 May
- Email to be sent to residents who have signed up to receive information about the service via GovDelivery – Thursday, 22 May
- Email to be shared with Parish and Town Councils
- Printed literature will be sent to all residents in the borough in June/July (to be shared before issuing)
Emma Harrison
Waste Strategy Officer
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Environmental Commissioning
Environment and Communities