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News • September 2nd, 2026
|City of York Council is considering a significant change to the way recycling is collected in the city, proposing a switch from traditional recycling boxes to wheeled bins for most households. This move aims to make recycling easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone.
New Recycling Bins Proposed
The council's proposal comes after a successful public consultation that ran from 23 March to 1 May 2026, attracting over 13,000 responses. Remarkably, more than 63% of participants expressed that using wheeled bins would simplify their recycling efforts. If the plan goes ahead, up to 63,000 homes could receive two new 180-litre wheeled recycling bins, replacing the three smaller recycling boxes that many households currently use.
How Would It Work?
The new system would involve one bin designated for paper and card and another for tins, plastics, and glass. Collections would continue to occur every two weeks, ensuring that household waste and garden waste remain on the same schedule. The recycling collection would alternate weekly, as follows:
Week 1: Household waste
Week 2: Paper and card recycling
Week 3: Household waste
Week 4: Tins, plastics, and glass recycling
This change is expected to provide households with more space for recycling, which could lead to an increase in the amount of material recycled. The new bins would also help keep recyclables dry and prevent litter from blowing onto the streets, addressing concerns raised during the consultation.
Health and Safety Benefits
Beyond convenience, the proposal highlights important health and safety benefits. Wheeled bins are easier to manoeuvre than boxes, reducing the physical strain on both residents and waste collection crews. In previous years, the waste service lost over 1,300 working days annually due to injuries related to lifting and carrying, making this a significant consideration for the council.
Addressing Storage Challenges
While the proposal aims to benefit a large number of households, the council acknowledges that wheeled bins may not be suitable for every property. Approximately 10,000 homes may require further assessment due to potential storage issues, especially in areas where space is limited. The council has committed to working with residents and community groups to find practical solutions for these properties.
Next Steps for the Proposal
The recommendations will be reviewed by the Council's Executive, who will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the changes. If approved, the council plans to engage in further planning and communication with residents before introducing the new recycling system. This would be followed by a procurement process to acquire the new bins, which is expected to take several months, with changes potentially rolling out in 2027.
Community Engagement
Councillor Jenny Kent, the Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, expressed enthusiasm for the proposal:
“York residents are great at recycling, and we know recycling is important to them. The large number of responses to our consultation shows how much residents care about protecting the environment.”
She emphasised that the changes would not only enhance recycling capacity but also contribute to cleaner streets and improved safety for both residents and staff.
This initiative aligns with the Government's Simpler Recycling reforms and the council's broader objectives to increase recycling rates and reduce overall waste. As the proposal progresses, residents will be kept informed about any developments and how they may be affected by the changes.
The shift to wheeled bins could mark a significant step forward for recycling in York, making it easier for families to participate and encouraging more people to recycle effectively. As the council moves forward with its plans, the input from the community will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of waste management in the city.
