A further update regarding the resumption of bulky waste collections, brown bin collections and Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs) has been provided by Leeds City Council today.

The council has confirmed plans to restart brown bin collections from this Monday (May 25). As part of the service restarting, brown bin collections will also be expanded to include new and known, planned housing developments that are eligible for a brown bin and who may not as yet have received a service. All households with a brown bin collection will be sent a letter a few days beforehand, informing them of their first brown bin collection day. Many brown bin collection days will change, and residents are asked to please keep a close eye on their post for the letter. The new collection dates/day are now on the LCC website’s “check your bin day” page and the Leeds Bins app for mobile phones.

Given the service was suspended in March due to Coronavirus, a high level of demand is expected when collections resume. Added to this, black bin waste levels are still as much as 20% more than usual at the moment and there remains a significant number of staff off work with Covid19 issues. We ask that residents be patient if their brown bin does not get collected on the first scheduled collection. If storing the garden waste is a problem, there are plenty of slots available to book at the household waste and recycling centres now open across the city – please note that it is admission by pre-booking only at the sites.

The seven Leeds City Council HWRCs now open in the city are: Kirkstall; Meanwood; Middleton; Pudsey; Seacroft; Yeadon (Milner’s Road); Wetherby (Thorp Arch). Bookings are being taken for 20,000 slots a week.

The reopening of HWRC sites in Leeds has not seen long queues and waiting times outside sites. The introduction of a temporary, mandatory booking system for the sites in Leeds has helped achieve this, with residents expressing positive feedback on how the sites are being safely and effectively run. The council will continue to review the temporary site rules and restrictions, and where it is safe to do so, make further changes as appropriate to reflect demand. People should still only be booking a visit if they feel it is necessary.

As outlined earlier this month, bookings for bulky waste collections can now also be taken from this week. Whilst the council will endeavour to offer as many booking slots as is possible in the context of existing resources, this service will be limited and booked up quickly. Residents are therefore asked to only attempt a booking where they have no other alternative. To book a collection, please visit the council website at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/bins-and-recycling

Further updates regarding the council’s waste services will be provided on www.leeds.gov.uk and through social media channels including on Twitter @LCCNews, Facebook at: Leeds City Council and Leeds Recycles. Excellent advice and tips on how to reduce and recycle waste continues to be provided by Zero Waste Leeds through their website at: https://www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk/ and social media accounts. The Leeds Bins app providing a range of information can also be downloaded on your mobile.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment and active lifestyles, said:

“It is fantastic news that brown bin collections will be resuming from 25 May and that residents can now also book free bulky waste collections. There will be some changes to brown bin collection days for many people, and we would be grateful therefore if residents could keep an eye on their post for further information or check their date online or via the app.

“This and the reopening of seven HWRCs is testament to the tremendous hard work of our staff, who have shown great commitment to put the necessary measures in place that were needed to restart these services, whilst also doing everything possible to protect the health and wellbeing of both residents and colleagues.

“I would again like to thank the people of Leeds for their unbelievable understanding and support in helping us to reopen our services, which is greatly appreciated.”