One of the biggest questions during the festive season is: when will my bins be collected? For residents served by Cheltenham Borough Council, the waste and recycling collection schedule for Christmas and New Year has now been announced, with some collections moved up by as much as five days.
Christmas typically generates extra waste from wrapping paper, cards, and gift packaging. Cllr Paul Baker, cabinet member for waste, recycling, and green open spaces, encouraged residents to recycle as much as possible this season. “Christmas creates extra waste, but it’s also a chance to recycle more and help those in need,” he said. “Our service provider Plan-B donates to Cheltenham’s foodbanks based on recycling performance, which is crucial during this time of year. Recycling more also lowers the cost of waste sent to incineration.”
When disposing of gifts, Cllr Baker advises paying attention to the type of wrapping paper used. “Please ensure brown paper is placed in the blue bag with cardboard, not with paper recycling. And don’t forget the scrunch test for wrapping paper: if it stays scrunched when squeezed, it doesn’t contain foil and can go in kerbside recycling. If it springs back, it contains foil and must be placed in general waste.”
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Residents should note that collections normally scheduled for Thursday, December 25, 2025, will occur five days earlier on Saturday, December 20, 2025. The council has aimed to keep adjustments to a minimum despite the holiday schedule.
Some collection routes begin as early as 7am, so bins and boxes should be placed at the kerbside before then. Normal collection days will resume from Monday, January 5, 2026.
Garden waste collection will pause after Friday, December 12, 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026. Please check for any updates on these dates.
Residents can recycle Christmas trees through Sue Ryder’s treecycling service, kerbside pickup, or local drop-off points. Excess recycling waste can be taken to bring bank sites around town or the Wingmoor Farm recycling centre.