Fortnightly collections FAQs

Later this year, we'll be moving to fortnightly rubbish collections for people who have a black bin.

There are no changes for residents who use sacks or a communal bin.

We expect that fortnightly collections will start in summer 2024.

We know some people will struggle with moving to fortnightly collections, so eligible households can request a bigger bin.

We expect that these bins will be delivered between May and June 2024. Once they've been delivered, we can start fortnightly collections.

We'll publish updates in the recycling and rubbish section and on social media closer to the time.

We'll publish updates in the recycling and rubbish section and on social media.

You'll also be able to see all your bin collection dates on MyMiddlesbrough.

No. Most people will keep their existing (140 litre) black refuse bin.

We know some people will struggle with moving to fortnightly collections, so eligible households can request a bigger bin.

Most households will keep the same collection day, but some properties will have their collection day changed.

You'll be able to see your collection dates for 2024 on MyMiddlesbrough.

Yes, you'll still get assisted collections.

The only thing that's changing is we'll collect your rubbish fortnightly instead of weekly.

If you no longer need assisted collections, please let us know by calling 01642 726001.

No. You must put all rubbish in your bin, and you must be able to close the lid fully.

We will not collect rubbish or bags left beside your bin (side waste).

Our enforcement team will investigate any issues of side waste.

If you have too much rubbish, please make sure you're recycling as much as possible. Find out more about how to recycle.

You can get rid of your extra rubbish at the Household Waste Recycling Centre. Don't forget, you need to book an appointment, you can't just turn up.

We're making changes to bin collections as part of the savings we need to make next year. Like many councils across the country, we've struggled to set a balanced budget for 2024-2025, which we're legally required to do.

Most other councils in the country already have fortnightly collections for rubbish.

These changes will also help us to improve recycling rates in the town. We'll be doing more to help people understand how to recycle and what goes in their different bins.

No. The money we save by moving to fortnightly collections will be used to fill the shortfall in our budget.   

If you're recycling as much as possible, your current (140 litre) bin should hold two weeks' worth of rubbish.

However, some households may eligible to get a bigger (240 litre) bin to replace their current bin.

Households which are automatically eligible

Households with 3 or more people who live at the property permanently. You can request a bigger (240 litre) bin for free. This is a replacement for your existing bin. We'll take your existing bin away.

You can request a bigger bin online or by calling 01642 726001.

Households which may be eligible after an assessment

Households with 6 or more people who live at the property permanently, and who currently have a bigger (240 litre) bin. You can request an additional 140 litre bin for free. We'll do an assessment to see if you need one.

Someone lives at the property permanently, who has a condition that produces extra general household waste. We'll do an assessment to see if you need an extra bin.

You can request an extra bin online or by calling 01642 726001.

Please note, we'll regularly review the circumstances of households who have bigger or additional bins to check they're still eligible.

You can request a bigger bin between Monday 11 March 2024 and Friday 29 March 2024.

The easiest way to do it is to request a bigger bin online.

If you're struggling to do it online, you can call 01642 726001.

We expect that bins will be delivered between May and June, and that fortnightly collections will start in summer 2024.

Please apply by 29 March to make sure we can deliver your new bin before fortnightly collections start.

Households with 2 people who both live there permanently, who currently have a 140 litre bin, can buy an additional 140 litre bin for £40.

One person living alone is not eligible for an extra bin. If you have a condition that produces extra general household waste and you think you should be eligible, we'll need to do an assessment.

No. There will be no change to your collections. We'll still collect rubbish from designated communal bin areas and back alleys every week.

We'll keep providing you with a roll of 52 sacks each year.

You can also buy your own sacks, but you cannot put out more than 3 sacks of rubbish at a time.

If you have too much rubbish, please make sure you're recycling as much as possible. Find out more about how to recycle.

We'll be looking at whether we can move some households from sack collections to bin collections in the future. For now, we are not making any changes. 

If you're currently on sack collections, we'll keep collecting your waste every week. If this changes, we'll let you know.

We encourage residents on a communal bin collection to recycle. You can leave your recycling for collection in a clear sack at the front of your property.

If you're using recycling sacks, please don't wait until you've run out to order new ones.

You can order more sacks online or by calling 01642 726001.

You can also collect new sacks from:

• North Ormesby Hub - 2 Derwent Street, Middlesbrough, TS3 6JB
• Newport Hub - St Paul's Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 5NQ
• Streets Ahead for Information - 109-111 Parliament Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 4JE

No. We'll still be collecting recycling every 2 weeks.

However, some people might have their collection day changed.

Yes, but we'll need to do an assessment first. Call us on 01642 726001 to find out more. 

You may be eligible for an assisted collection if you can prove that you have a medical condition or disability which stops you from moving your bin.

You may also be eligible if you're an older person and you find it difficult or impossible to move your bin.

Find out more about getting help with putting your bin out.

No. Your current (140 litre) bin is the smallest bin we provide.

You must keep the bin you have.

No, unfortunately this is not possible.

You can use any bag, sack, or carrier to hold the rubbish you put into your black bin.

You can also put rubbish in loose, but we advise you put messy items (like food waste) in a bag. This will keep the inside of your bin clean and reduce the likelihood of smells.

If you shut the lid properly on your bin, this should seal in any nasty smells.

We advise that you put items like food waste and used nappies in a bag before putting them in the bin. This will keep the inside of your bin clean and reduce the likelihood of smells.

Most councils already do fortnightly rubbish collections and there's no evidence that it causes ill health in those areas.

Not yet. We're planning to start food waste collections in 2026 in line with government legislation.

More information will be available closer to the time.