Christmas 2023 and new year revised bin collections dates for Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire and East Cambridgeshire

An average of 400 additional tonnes of waste is expected to be collected in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire alone over the festive period – and residents have been advised to be aware of changes to bin collection dates, as detailed below.

Advice on recycling has also been issued by local authorities.

In Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, bin collections that would usually take place on Tuesday, December 26 to Friday, December 29 will be one day later than usual due to bank holidays.

However, following the introduction of the new four-day week collection arrangements, there will be no changes to collections in January caused by New Year’s Day since it falls on a non-collection day.

Collections will return to their regular scheduled days from Tuesday, January 2.

As is usual in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire at this time of year, green bin collections have switched from fortnightly to monthly, between December 19 and March 5, as less garden waste is generated.

Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service, a partnership between the city and district councils,collects an average of 400 tonnes of additional waste and recycling after Christmas – the equivalent of 33 double-decker buses.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity at Cambridge City Council, said: “There are lots of small things each of us can do to reduce this extra waste. For example, re-using wrapping paper and gift bags from last year, or using reusable fabric for wrapping gifts instead can cut out some of the 1,000 miles of new gift wrap due to be used and thrown away in our area this Christmas.”

Real Christmas trees can be booked in for a charity recycling collection by Arthur Rank Hospice Charity in January at arhc.org.uk, taken to household recycling centres around the county, or dropped off at Cherry Hinton Hall car park in Cambridge. If you can chop yours up, it can also go in the green bin, providing the lid closes.

Residents have also been reminded that cans, bottles, turkey foil, foil trays from pies and any other food packaging should be rinsed clean of food and grease before they go in the recycling bin or they will interfere with the recycling process.

Details about what wrapping paper can be recycled – and why you need to do the ‘scrunch test’ can be found here.

A lot of food is also wasted at this time of year.

Cllr Henry Batchelor, lead cabinet member for environmental services and licensing at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “While many of us are lucky enough to enjoy meals with friends and loved ones at this time of year, let’s remember how precious food is and ensure none of what we have goes to waste.

“Make space in your freezer for leftovers if you can’t use them up right away and check lovefoodhatewaste.com for freezing tips, recipes and portion calculators. Please support the food hubs and foodbanks we have in our area to help feed everyone this Christmas and beyond.”

Visit cambridge.gov.uk/bins if you live in Cambridge or scambs.gov.uk/bins if you live in South Cambridgeshire for more.

Meanwhile, in East Cambridgeshire, there will be changes to bin collection dates throughout Christmas and new year, as detailed above. Visit https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/content/collection-dates for further details if you live in East Cambridgeshire.