Changes to bin collections this Christmas and New Year

South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge residents are being asked to check their bin collection dates for the Christmas and New Year period.

As announced last week, green bin collections were suspended from yesterday (Monday 13 December) because of the number of drivers and loaders absent - particularly with Coronavirus or self-isolating. They are currently planned to resume on Wednesday 12 January 2022.

As is always the case during the festive period, there will be alterations to bin collection days as hard-working crews enjoy a break. All collections from Monday 27 December through to Friday 21 January will all be at least one day later than usual due to bank holidays.

All collections are planned to return to their regular scheduled days from Monday 24 January 2022. Bin collections across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire are carried out by the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service, a partnership between Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Licensing, Cllr Brian Milnes (pictured below), said: “As well as double checking your bin dates, I’d really encourage residents to think hard about that festive food shop and only buy what you’ll eat. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions which are driving climate change. Food waste accounts for even more emissions than global commercial air flights. You can find rescue recipes for using up ingredients and leftovers on Love Food Hate Waste's website, as well as portion calculators and food storage tips and tricks.

“Our bin crews are working incredibly hard every single day and last week’s announcement about the suspension of green bin collections until 12 January means they can prioritise black and blue collections during the festive season.”

Cambridge City Council’s Executive Councillor for Climate Change, Environment and City Centre, Cllr Rosy Moore, said: “During this time of year, extra guests, over-generosity and traditional staples that perhaps aren’t everyone’s favourite, can add up to a big rise in the amount of food and money we all waste. This is something every one of us can step up to help tackle. Being organised, buying only what you will eat, encouraging guests to dish-up their own food and using up leftovers all helps. Save your leftovers in the fridge or freezer to enjoy another day and now could be a good time to try home-composting if you can. Rinse your containers in leftover washing-up water. They don’t have to be perfect, just reasonably clean. Recycle your clean, empty containers in your blue bin. My huge thanks to our dedicated bin crews who walk the equivalent of a half marathon during every shift in rain, wind, snow or shine.”

Tips for Christmas food shopping

Get organised

Talk to family early so you can plan ahead. Who is coming? Who is vegan? Do you want people to bring food with them or not? Let them know so you can avoid duplication and waste.

Buy what you’ll eat

Before buying the usual traditional fare, make sure it will get eaten. If only one person likes sprouts or Christmas pudding, choose something else (5 million Christmas puddings are thrown away each year!). If you have a small family, consider turkey breasts instead of a whole bird. You can get help working out how much you will need to cook for a given number of people with Love Food Hate Waste’s portion planner.

Try self service

If possible, involve guests in the dishing-up and keep spares in separate dishes. This should minimise unfinished food left on plates, which then can’t be used. The spares can then be kept in the fridge to use up later.

Use it up

If you love turkey sandwiches on Boxing Day, that’s great, but if not, or you just don’t have the energy for a culinary creation, remember you can freeze cooked meat and leftover veg to use in another dish later on. Find everything you need to know about stepping up your efforts to crush food waste online. 

For more information about waste and recycling including which festive items can be recycled and how, and to see tailored bin collection calendars, Cambridge residents can visit Cambridge City Council's bin pages and South Cambridgeshire residents can visit our bin pages.