From 15 September 2025 Sandwell will be introducing Alternate Weekly Collections (AWC) and Dual-Stream Recycling (DSR).

This means that each household will still receive a weekly collection but on alternate weeks. For example, one week we will collect non-recycling (grey) bin and the next we will collect recycling (blue lid) bin and recycling (blue) bag.

We will also be introducing Dual-Stream Recycling which means residents must separate paper and cardboard from their usual recycling into a new recycling (blue) bag which will be delivered between 26 August to 14 September.

(These changes do no impact flats and high-rise buildings at this stage).

Why are we making these changes?

From April 2026, the Government is introducing new regulation called Simpler Recycling system, which means all households must separate paper and card from other recycling items.

The new system is being introduced to make recycling more consistent across the UK. We are making these changes to comply with these new rules, to boost recycling rates and to be efficient with the money we spend on our waste collection services so we can protect funding for our other vital services.

What does this mean for Sandwell residents?

All households will continue to receive a weekly collection but on alternate weeks.

One week we will collect recycling and the next week we will collect non-recycling waste (or vice versa).

During the first week of the changes, some households will have a recycling collection, and others will have a non-recycling waste collection.

We will write to all residents nearer the time to explain exactly what is changing which will include a handy a calendar detailing exactly which bin type will be collected each week.

Will my bin day change?

Collection days and schedules will vary across the borough, and as a result of the updated collection rounds some residents’ day of collection will also change. This change will be communicated to residents closer to the service change date.

What about Food Waste (brown bin) and Garden Waste (green bin) collections?

Food waste (brown bin) will continue to be collected weekly and garden waste (green bin) fortnightly. You will need to sign up for food waste collections for free and you can subscribe for garden waste collections, a paid for service, via our website.

For more information and to read our frequently asked questions.

You can also view this video online in other languages online such as, Arabic, Bengali, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Urdu.

Recycle your food waste

Too much of what we throw away ends up being incinerated instead of recycled.

We can reduce the amount of waste we throw away by making some simple swaps, such as choosing a reusable water bottle instead of buying single use plastic bottles. Buying loose fruit and vegetables instead of prepacked items. Meal planning and using the ingredients you have instead of impulse purchases and using up leftovers, such as blending up ripe bananas and milk to make a great milk shake.

Any food waste you can’t use up, such as apple cores, peelings, tea bags and eggs shells can be recycled. This can either composted at home or you can sign up to our free weekly food waste collection service. This not only helps to turn your waste into something great, it also makes more room in your non-recycling (grey) bin.

Find out more and sign up to receive free food waste recycling online