Birmingham bin strike: what to do with your rubbish

Birmingham's bin strike has gone on for well over a year. Here's where things stand, what's affected and how to get rid of your rubbish legally in the meantime. Updated 27 October 2026.

Where things stand

• The all-out strike by Unite bin workers began in March 2025
• The council suspended recycling and garden waste collections so general rubbish could still be collected, and said recycling would come back with its new service from summer 2026
• A deal was agreed in principle in July 2026, but in late October 2026 the council still hadn't signed it off, and the strike was continuing
• The council's bulky collection page says it isn't taking new requests because of the strike
• The tips have longer opening hours, and cars don't need to book at Castle Bromwich for now

Things can change quickly, so check Birmingham City Council's strike updates for the latest.

What to do with your rubbish

• Keep putting bins out on your collection day, unless the council has written to you with new days under its new service. During the strike it has said crews will collect as soon as they can, sometimes at weekends
• Use the tip: open 7am to 9pm on weekdays. Book first, except cars at Castle Bromwich for now. See Birmingham tips
• Mobile household waste centres: the council has run these in different wards during the strike. Check its website for dates near you
• Big items or lots of rubbish: a licensed rubbish removal company can take it, often within a day or two

What not to do

• Don't leave rubbish on the pavement. That can count as fly-tipping, and you can be fined
• Don't pay a cheap "man with a van" without checking his waste carrier licence. If he dumps it, you can be fined. See how to check a waste carrier
• Don't burn it. Burning household waste can cause a nuisance and pollution