Bin collections suspended
Unfortunately, due to the heavy snowfall it has been necessary to suspend household bin collection services.
Check for updates on bin collections
We would like to apologise to residents for the disruption and thank them for their patience during the recent poor weather.
The tip (Household Recycling Centre) is closed
The Household Recycling Centre (the tip) on Shidas Lane will reopen on Monday 12 January. Opening times have been extended for one hour from 8am to 5pm for two weeks (ends Sunday 25 January). Find out more about the tip and book an appointment.
Gritting
Our gritters spread 55 tonnes of salt on around 270 miles of Sandwell's main roads, bus routes and hills every time they go out.
We have sensors embedded in the road to check the temperatures and receive updated weather forecasts throughout the day and night.
Our gritting crew will be working 24/7 as needed to make our roads as safe as they possibly can.
Find out more about gritting, grit bin locations and gritting routes
Football matches
Football matches are off this weekend (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 January 2026) due to the weather.
Libraries
Changes library opening hours due to the snow:
Saturday 10 January
- Rounds Green Library will be closed
- Bleakhouse, Brandhall, Great Barr, Great Bridge, Hamstead, Hill Top, Langley, and Oakham will be in Library Plus mode – registered Library Plus customers can access the library but staff won’t be present.
- All other libraries will be open as normal.
Sunday 11 January
- Smethwick Library will be closed. All other libraries are closed on Sundays.
School closures
Schools should contact parents and update their websites and their own social media channels if they are closed due to bad weather. If you haven't heard from your child's school, presume they are open as normal.
Trees warning
There are many snow-covered trees in our parks and open spaces. Their branches are under extra load due to the snow and are at a higher than usual risk of breaking and falling. Please keep away from snow-covered trees until the snow has thawed.
Boiler problems
Advice for people with boiler issues
Leisure Centres
Check before you travel - check the KoreSandwell and Places for People websites for updates.
Staying safe in cold weather
There is an amber cold health alert in effect until 12 noon on Monday 12 January across the West Midlands. Please look out for friends, neighbours and relatives who may be vulnerable.
Find out more about staying safe in cold weather.
Public transport
Check with your public transport provider for impact on services if you need to make essential journeys.