Bin Collection Cambridge – A Simple Guide for Householders

Staying on top of your bin collection in Cambridge can feel confusing — with alternating weeks, colour-coded bins, and occasional service changes.

This short guide explains how the system works, how to check your collection day, and what to do if your rubbish or recycling bin isn’t emptied on schedule.

🗓️ How to Check Your Cambridge Bin Collection Day

The fastest way to confirm your next bin collection day is through the official Cambridge City Council bin checker. Enter your postcode to view the exact date for your:

• Black bin – general household rubbish

• Blue bin – dry recycling (paper, cardboard, tins, and plastics)

• Green bin – food and garden waste

Most homes have collections every week, alternating between black and blue bins, with green bins collected seasonally.

If you need a reminder, the council offers an email alert service for collection updates.

♻️ What Goes in Each Cambridge Bin

• 🗑 Black bin - General waste (eg.Non-recyclable packaging, nappies, pet waste)
• ♻️ Blue bin -Recycling (eg. Paper, cardboard, tins, glass bottles, clean plastics)
• 🌿 Green bin - Food & garden waste (eg. Grass cuttings, leaves, fruit & veg peelings, coffee grounds)

Keep items clean, dry, and loose in the recycling bin — bagged or contaminated recyclables may be rejected. Full details on what can go in each bin are listed on the Cambridge recycling guide .

🚫 Missed Bin Collection – What to Do

If your bin was not emptied:

Check that it was placed out by 6am on the correct day.

Confirm it was the right bin colour for that week.

Make sure the lid was closed and there were no wrong items inside.

If all seems fine, report it using the council’s missed bin collection form within two working days.

The City Council usually returns within 48 hours for valid missed collections. You can track service disruptions and rescheduled rounds via their service updates page.

🌍 How to Handle Overflowing Rubbish Between Collections

Occasionally, especially after holidays or bad weather, bins can overflow before the next collection. If that happens:

• Store extra bags securely inside your property (not on pavements).

• Avoid burning waste — it’s not permitted in residential areas.

• Flatten recyclables such as boxes to save space.

If the council misses multiple collections, contact Cambridge City Council waste services for advice or escalation.

🔄 Recycling Tips for Cambridge Residents

Rinse bottles, jars, and tins before recycling.

Remove plastic film and black plastic trays — they can’t be recycled locally.

Don’t bag recyclables; put them loose in the blue bin.

Reuse where possible — Cambridge Re-Use and local charity shops accept working household items.

Check Cambridgeshire County Council recycling centres for items not accepted in household bins.

🧹 Stay Informed and Keep Cambridge Clean

Cambridge aims to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste across the city. By following the collection schedule, sorting waste correctly, and reporting missed bins promptly, residents can help keep neighbourhoods clean and safe.

For more on responsible waste management or larger clear-outs, visit AnyJunk’s recycling information hub .