From next Monday (15 September), Sandwell Council will introduce alternate weekly collections (AWC) and a new dual-stream recycling service.
This means that bins will be collected on alternate weeks with recycling one week and non-recycling the next (or the other way round, depending on each household’s schedule).
These changes are being made to meet the government’s Simpler Recycling legislation and to help Sandwell improve recycling quality, increase the recycling rates and reduce disposal costs. Over time, this will also make services more efficient and environmentally friendly.
What’s changing?
To support the changes, residents must separate paper, cardboard and cartons from other recycling and put it in the new recycling (blue) bag delivered last week. If residents have not received a blue bag, please call the contact centre on 0121 368 1177.
All other recycling such as glass, tins, cans and plastics should continue to go in the recycling (blue lid) bin.
To find out if recycling or non-recycling will be collected first or if your collection day has changed, residents should check the calendar on their leaflet or the online bin day finder.
What’s not changing?
Collections for households that share a large recycling bin will see no change this year. These changes only affect residents who currently have individual recycling (blue lid) bins.
Garden waste collections for 2025 will not change. They will remain the same as usual for the rest of 2025.
Assisted collections will continue for residents who need extra support.
Councillor Keith Allcock, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, said: “From Monday 15 September, we’re moving to alternate weekly collections and introducing dual-stream recycling. I know this is a big change, but in the long run it will help us recycle more, cut down on waste and improve the quality of the materials we collect.
“I want to reassure residents that you will still have a weekly collection service - it will just alternate between recycling and non-recycling. And if you sign up for our free weekly food waste collection, you’ll also have even more space in your bins.
“This change has been a long time coming, and it’s an important step towards making Sandwell a cleaner, greener and more sustainable borough. Together we can all do our bit for the environment and for the future of our community.”
Sam Dalton, Contract Manager for Serco, said: “As a proud partner working with Sandwell Council, we echo the comments from Councillor Allcock, and we are committed to support residents with the upcoming service change.
“This is a huge step forward to not only improve the service we provide but to help Sandwell residents increase their recycling awareness and build a cleaner greener Sandwell for all of us.”
What residents need to do from 15 September:
- Separate paper, cardboard and cartons into the new recycling (blue) bag. All other recycling, such as tins, glass, plastics and cans go in the recycling (blue lid) bin.
- If you have not received a blue bag, call the contact centre on 0121 368 1177.
- Large pieces of cardboard can be broken down and placed between the recycling bin and bag on your recycling collection week.
- Check the online bin day finder for new collection days and which bin to present from 15 September.
- Present bins for collection from 5.30am (or the night before) on your collection day.
- Sign up for free weekly food waste collections online.
- Garden waste collections remain unchanged for the rest of the year if you are subscribed.
- Assisted collections will continue as normal for those who qualify.
Quick reminder - what goes where:
- Recycling (blue) bag for paper, cardboard, cartons
- Recycling (blue lid) bin for plastics, glass bottles, tins, cans
- Non-recycling (grey) bin for general waste that cannot be recycled
- Food waste (brown) bin for cooked, raw and leftover food (free weekly service – sign up online)
- Remember to crush, squash and flatten items
- Watch our explainer videos about the changes to bin collections
Check your bin day finder at for your new collection day.
Frequently asked questions and more information and support about bin changes