Residents in Sutton are being advised of significant changes to their regular bin collection schedules throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The council has released a special timetable to account for the public holidays, meaning many households will need to put their bins out on different days.
Revised Bin Collection Dates for the Festive Season
The alterations to the normal service are detailed and specific. Collections originally scheduled for Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December, will now take place two days later on Saturday 27 December. For those expecting a pickup on Boxing Day, Friday 26 December, the new collection date is Monday 29 December.
The changes continue into the following week. Services due on Monday 29 December and Tuesday 30 December will be delayed by one day. Similarly, collections planned for Wednesday 31 December and Thursday 1 January will also be pushed back by a single day.
A more substantial shift occurs for Friday 2 January, with those collections rescheduled for three days later on Monday 5 January. From Monday 5 January through to Friday 9 January, all collections will occur one day later than usual. This adjustment includes a Saturday collection for residents whose bins are normally emptied on a Friday.
The council has confirmed that normal collection schedules will fully resume from Monday 12 January 2026.
Free Christmas Tree Recycling Service
Alongside the revised bin days, Sutton Council is operating a complimentary Christmas tree disposal scheme. To use this service, residents must place their real trees out by 6am on Tuesday 30 December, ensuring all decorations, tinsel, and stands are completely removed.
The trees will be collected within a four-week window starting from that date, meaning the collection crew could arrive on any subsequent day. For those who prefer to drop off their tree, genuine Christmas trees can also be recycled free of charge at the borough's Household Refuse and Recycling Centre on Kimpton Park Way.
Alternative Disposal Options for Your Tree
The council has provided several other options for dealing with festive firs. Residents may leave their tree beside their general rubbish bin on their scheduled collection day, although it is important to note that trees disposed of in this manner will not be recycled.
For a more environmentally friendly approach, Sutton Council suggests repurposing the tree in your own garden. Chopping it up can create a valuable winter habitat for wildlife, or the pieces can be added to a compost heap if you have one.
These annual changes are designed to manage waste effectively during a period when household recycling and rubbish volumes typically increase. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and note the new dates to avoid missed collections.
