From 30 March 2026, fortnightly collections of non-recyclable waste (grey bins); plastics, glass and cans; and paper and cardboard, will change to three-weekly collections —one bin collected each week.
You can view your calendar online and we will also provide you with a printed copy inside your food waste recycling pack before these changes begin. If there is a discrepancy, please use the online calendar. You can request a printed calendar by contacting customer service via the online contact form on our website or pop into Morecambe or Lancaster Town Halls.
Food waste, garden waste and clinical waste will be unaffected by this change.
By using your new recycling wheelie bins and food waste collections service to their full potential, you'll find there will be much more space in your grey bin to accommodate this change.
An analysis of the waste households across the district put in their grey bins found that almost three quarters (71%) could have been recycled — over a quarter (28%) of this was food waste.
Yes. We will replace any grey bins that are smaller than 240 litres without charge. Either email recycling@lancaster.gov.uk or call customer services on 01524 582491.
Weekly food waste collections will help tackle this issue. Currently a lot of food waste in the bin decomposes and causes unpleasant smells, especially in summer. Weekly collections, including meat, dairy and leftovers, will go in the sealed food waste caddy and be collected every week. That means general waste bins will stay drier, cleaner and less smelly. To find out more about this service please visit our food waste page.
Keeping the lid of your grey bin fully closed will also help control unpleasant smells.
If you are recycling as much as possible, a three-weekly collection will provide plenty of space for most households.
If you have a very large household of permanent residents, a medical condition that generates excess waste, or children in nappies, you may qualify for an additional bin.
To assess whether you are eligible for this service, our waste officers will need to visit you at your property and complete a waste audit. A service charge for additional bins may apply.
Yes. If you find that even with the extra space the bins provide you still require more space, you can order additional wheelie bins on our website from April 2026 onwards via our website. The standard charges will apply.
We apologise if we are unable to make a collection. The reason may be due to a vehicle breakdown, blocked roads or severe weather. In these cases, we will endeavour to return to your property as soon as possible.
If by 6pm we have not collected your waste, you should report it as a missed bin, and we will aim to return for a collection within three working days. Please leave your bin/box or sack out until we collect it.
No, assisted collections will not be affected by the changes.
If there is nobody in your household that can move your wheelie bins to the kerbside for collection, you may be eligible for assisted collections — we can come onto your property to collect your wheelie bin. Click here to apply.
Contact us
If you have a question that hasn't been answered below, please email wastechanges@lancaster.gov.uk or telephone 01524 582491.
Do you have a question or issue that can't be answered by the information above? Get in touch with us by completing our online form.
