Navigating Bank Holiday Rubbish: Your Guide to Bin Collections and Waste Disposal
Bank holidays are a welcome break for many, offering a chance to relax, spend time with family, or tackle those long-awaited DIY projects. However, these extended weekends can often lead to changes in regular council services, particularly when it comes to rubbish and recycling collections. Don’t get caught out by overflowing bins! Here’s what you need to know about bank holiday rubbish removal.
Will My Bins Be Collected on a Bank Holiday?
This is the golden question! The answer varies significantly depending on your local council. Some councils operate collections as normal on bank holidays, while others may shift collection days, often to a day earlier or later.
Always check your local council’s website. This is the most reliable source of information. Checking the Kirklees Council website. They typically publish updated schedules and any specific arrangements for bank holiday periods. Many councils also offer email alert services or printable calendars to keep you informed.
Based on recent information for Kirklees Council:
- General Bank Holidays (e.g., Easter, May Bank Holidays): Collections often proceed as normal. However, it’s always best to verify this closer to the date.
- Christmas and New Year: This period often sees more significant changes. For example, in previous years, Kirklees Council has had a break in collections between Christmas and New Year, with collections resuming in early January and special provisions for excess waste on the first collection back.
What if My Collection Day Changes?
If your council announces changes to the collection schedule, make a note of your revised collection day. Ensure your bins are out by the usual time (often by 7 am on collection day), or as advised by your council. Sometimes, if collections are moved earlier, an early put-out time is crucial.
Tips for Managing Extra Bank Holiday Rubbish
Bank holiday weekends, especially those involving celebrations or home projects, can generate more waste than usual. Here are some tips to manage the overflow:
- Reduce and Reuse: Before you even think about disposal, try to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Opt for reusable bags, minimise food packaging where possible, and find ways to reuse items.
- Recycle Right: Make sure you’re fully utilising your recycling bins. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space. Rinse out food containers to avoid contamination. Be clear on what can and can’t be recycled in your area – Kirklees Council provides guidance on this.
- Squash it Down: Compact your waste as much as possible to create more room in your bins. For example, squash plastic bottles (and put the lids back on) and crush cans.
- Store Excess Safely: If you have more rubbish than will fit in your bin, and your council doesn’t collect side waste, store it securely until your next collection or until you can take it to a recycling centre. Avoid leaving bags on the street where they can attract pests or cause obstructions.
- Check for Excess Waste Allowances: After extended breaks with no collections (like Christmas), some councils, including Kirklees in the past, may allow a limited amount of extra bagged waste to be placed next to your general waste bin on the first collection. Always check official council announcements for this.
Visiting Your Local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)
If you have a large amount of waste or items that aren’t collected kerbside, a trip to your local tip or HWRC might be necessary.
- Check Opening Times: HWRC opening hours can also be affected by bank holidays. Kirklees Council’s HWRCs, for instance, are typically closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, but may operate as usual on other bank holidays. Always check the Kirklees Council website for specific site opening times before you travel.
- Sort Before You Go: Save time at the HWRC by sorting your waste into different material types (e.g., wood, metal, garden waste, general rubbish) before you leave home.
- Be Prepared for Queues: HWRCs can be busier during bank holiday weekends and peak times. Try to visit during traditionally quieter periods if possible.
- Permits and Restrictions: Be aware that some HWRCs have restrictions on certain types of waste (e.g., DIY rubble, plasterboard) or may require permits for larger vehicles or certain waste types.
Staying Informed in Kirklees
For residents in Kirklees, the key steps are:
- Visit the Kirklees Council website: This is your primary source for bin calendars, bank holiday collection announcements, and information on what goes in each bin. You can often find downloadable bin calendars for the year.
- Sign up for email reminders: Kirklees Council offers a service to get email reminders about your bin collection days, which can be especially helpful around bank holidays.
- “My Kirklees Account”: Registering for an account on the council website can provide personalised service information.
By planning ahead and knowing where to find the correct information, you can ensure your bank holiday rubbish is managed smoothly, leaving you more time to enjoy the break!
However, if you prefer to be super efficient or don’t have time to do the tip run after all your hard work, you can get a quote by following this link to get a quick, easy quote for all your rubbish to be taken in one go. Where all the hard work is taken care of, and you still have time for a beer and a BBQ before the weekend is over. Follow the link to Junk Movers, give yourself a break.
