Bristol won’t be moving to 3-weekly bin collections – unlike its neighbours | Bristol LiveNeed to knowBristol councillors vetoed the proposal earlier this week
Black bins and recycling containers on a pavement in Bedminste(Image: Alex Seabrook)Bristol City Council has officially scrapped plans to move to a three-weekly black bin collection schedule. Here is everything you need to knowPlan Rejected: Bristol councillors on the environment policy committee have officially vetoed the proposal to move to three-weekly black bin collections, choosing to maintain the current fortnightly schedule.Lack of Cross-Party Support: The move failed after Labour, Liberal Democrat, and Conservative councillors opposed the switch, leaving the Green Party as the only group supporting the change.Public Opposition: A public consultation showed that 71% of residents were against the three-weekly model, citing concerns over overflowing bins, smells in summer, and potential increases in fly-tipping.New Recycling Measures: To boost stagnant recycling rates, the council will instead roll out larger, more durable red sacks for plastics and cans and is considering a dedicated nappy and incontinence pad collection service.Regional Contrast: Bristol’s decision stands in contrast to neighbouring authorities; North Somerset Council already transitioned to three-weekly collections in June 2025, while South Gloucestershire Council is confirmed to move to a three-weekly schedule in May 2026.Financial and Environmental Goals: Council officials noted that while Bristol is a top recycler among English cities, reducing collection frequency would have saved approximately £500,000 annually and pushed the city toward its 2030 net-zero targets.Regional Status of 3-Weekly Collections
While Bristol has opted out, the surrounding region is moving forward with less frequent collections to drive up recycling rates:
North Somerset Council: Successfully implemented three-weekly black bin collections in June 2025 . Early reports from the council indicated a 15% drop in black bin waste and a 10% rise in recycling within the first few months of the change.South Gloucestershire Council: Has formally approved a shift to three-weekly collections starting in May 2026 . This move is part of a new waste contract designed to save the council over £1 million per year and will be accompanied by the rollout of soft plastic recycling for all households.Follow Bristol Live:
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