Council confirms black bin collections will change to a three-weekly schedule from April

Flintshire County Council has confirmed that, from April 2025, black bin collections will switch to a three-weekly schedule as part of its drive to increase recycling rates and meet new national targets.

The plan aims to boost recycling rates and help the county reach a 70% recycling target set by the Welsh Government. Flintshire currently recycles around 62% of household waste.

The council’s cabinet first approved the change in July, following advice from officers who said the new schedule could increase the county’s recycling rate by 4.5%, taking it to 66% overall.

Under the new plan, all households will continue to receive weekly recycling collections, including food waste, paper, cardboard, plastic pots, tubs, trays, glass, metal tins, and cans.

Subscription-based collections for absorbent hygiene products, medical waste, and garden waste will also remain available.

Black bins, however, will be collected every three weeks rather than every two, a move the Council says will encourage residents to focus on recycling all possible materials.

Council leaders thanked residents for helping Flintshire reach a recycling rate of over 62%, acknowledging that achieving higher recycling levels will require a community-wide effort.

“Together, let’s get it sorted,” said Councillor Glyn Banks, Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transportation. “We, as the Council, will continue to provide the means to recycle every week, but we need YOU—the residents—to recycle absolutely everything possible. Welsh Government’s ambitious recycling targets have put Wales firmly near the top of the table for recycling, and we can all play our part to continue achieving this.”

The Council’s Resource and Waste Strategy, adopted in March 2024, includes several actions aimed at reducing residual waste—the non-recyclable items placed in black bins.

By moving to a three-week black bin collection, the Council aims to limit the amount of waste incinerated for disposal, cutting carbon emissions and reducing landfill use.

The Council also approved a change to a five-day waste collection service, instead of the current six-day schedule.

An Environment and Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee report, set for presentation on 12th November, will outline the planned rollout and communications strategy.

“We’re grateful for our residents’ continued support with recycling and waste services,” a Council spokesperson said. “We’re committed to delivering a first-class service by sharing our plans and ensuring a smooth transition.”

To support residents during the shift, Flintshire County Council is encouraging households to review their recycling habits and request any additional bags, boxes, or containers they may need.

There is no limit on the number of recycling containers a property may use or put out for collection, though the black bin will be restricted to one per property, with no excess waste accepted outside the bin.

Cllr Banks acknowledged that the three-week black bin collection was a difficult decision but stated that the Council was prepared to make challenging changes to meet Flintshire’s environmental goals.

“The decision to go to three-weekly collections is part of what we need to do to hit even higher targets that have been set, and our aim must be to reach the top of the table and be the best of the best,” he said. “Where Wales goes, others follow.”