Households and businesses within the Square Mile will see adjustments to their regular waste and recycling services over the Christmas and New Year period, the City of London Corporation has announced.
Revised Collection Schedule for Bank Holidays
The governing body for the historic financial district has confirmed it does not operate any collection services on bank holidays. This policy means residents must hold onto their rubbish and recycling bags indoors until the next scheduled collection day to avoid littering the streets.
For those who typically place clear recycling sacks and white general waste bags out for kerbside pickup, the Corporation has issued specific guidance. "Please keep your bags inside your property until your next collection day – this is usually the next working day or the Saturday after Good Friday between 6pm - 8pm," a spokesperson advised.
Guidance for Flats and Estates
The instructions differ slightly for people living in private blocks with a communal binstore or on housing estates. For these residents, the next collection will take place on the following working day after a bank holiday.
Those on estates who receive a doorstep collection service that falls on a bank holiday are asked not to put out their clear recycling bags or food caddies. Instead, the Corporation states on its website: "Please use the recycling and food bins in your communal bin store or put out on your next doorstep collection day."
Full Festive Collection Timetable
The City of London Corporation has published the following detailed schedule for the end of December 2025 and start of January 2026.
- December 22, 23, 24 - Normal service
- December 25 (Christmas Day) - No collection. Put bins out on December 29.
- December 26 (Boxing Day) - No collection. Put bins out on December 29.
- December 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 - Normal service
- January 1 (New Year's Day) - No collection. Put bins out on January 2.
- January 2 - Normal service resumes.
Recycling Your Real Christmas Tree
In addition to the revised collection dates, the Corporation has reminded residents about its Christmas tree recycling scheme. Real trees can be taken to designated collection points to be composted, diverting waste from landfill.
The local authority's website notes that a full list of these drop-off points will be advertised publicly shortly after Christmas Day. Residents are encouraged to check the official site for their nearest location once the information is published.
By planning ahead and following the revised schedule, residents of the City of London can help ensure the Square Mile remains tidy and efficient throughout the festive break, while also doing their part for the environment through proper recycling.
