We’ve got all your waste services wrapped up this festive season

Published: 04 December 2025 Waste collection graphic

 

 

Christmas and New Year bin collections 

Don’t forget to check your bin collection dates over the Christmas and New Year period as there will be a change to your usual day. To find out about Christmas and New Year bin collection changes, and to stay up-to-date, head to:  https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/holiday-collection-dates/

Christmas Tree collection service

Once the festivities are over there are a few ways to ensure real Christmas trees can be put to good use. Take a look at the services available in Redbridge to help you dispose of your real Christmas trees in a planet friendly way: 

Local charity Haven House is collecting and recycling Christmas trees from January Monday 5 to the end of Wednesday 7 January for a small donation that goes directly towards their charity work. Collections must be pre-booked via their link. To find out more and book your Christmas tree collection go to: https://www.havenhouse.org.uk/Event/tree-collect-2026

Haven House is a Children’s Hospice where children can be children, even in the face of adversity. Their facilities offer a range of activities, such as music therapy, play sessions, and fun days, which enable children and families to create precious memories.

Redbridge Council will collect real Christmas trees to recycle. To ensure collection you must:

  • Leave your tree at the boundary of your property by 6am on Monday 12 January
  • Remove all decorations 
  • Ensure your tree is clearly visible  

There is no fee for the service, and no booking is required. Real trees will be collected anytime between Monday 12 January and Friday 23 January so please ensure your tree is placed at the boundary of your property by 6am on Monday 12th January to avoid missing collection.

Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre also takes real Christmas trees and other items to, just remember to check opening hours over the festive period: www.eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/chigwell-road 

Christmas recycling 

Don’t forget to use our recycling services for Christmas cards, cardboard boxes, paper wrapping (no glitter or foil wrap please) and more.  

Worried you might have too much recycling? Our crews will happily take any extra recycling you have, and if you don’t have enough recycling boxes, just place additional recycling in clear bags or cardboard boxes and leave it for collection as normal. 

Food waste collections

If you are part of our phase 1 food waste collection service launched in November, then it’s the perfect opportunity to make sure you put your food waste to good use this festive season. Remember to feed your food caddy and not the bin! Don’t forget to check your bin collection day over the festive period as it will be different to your usual collection day. Just remember to put your food waste out with the rest of your waste on your revised collection day and our crews will collect it.  

Find out your revised Christmas and New Year bin collection date: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/holiday-collection-dates/

Find out more about our new food waste collection service: https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/food-waste-collections/

Chigwell Road tip 

If you’re having a winter clear out, did you know many items can be recycled or reused via the Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre. Remember to check opening hours if you’re planning to get rid of items over the festive break: https://eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/chigwell-road/