Belfast City Council is advising residents of significant updates to its bin collection guidelines, which will come into effect from next month.

The new measures, designed to encourage more recycling, support cleaner streets, and enhance the safety of waste collection crews, include a city-wide bin tagging system.

Starting Monday, 4 August, bins that do not close fully or are lined with plastic liners (not bin bags) – which can snag on lorry lifting mechanisms – will receive an amber tag as a first warning. This tag will explain how residents can rectify the issue for future collections.

Households that continue to present overflowing bins or use liners will eventually receive a red tag. Red-tagged bins will not be emptied, with this stricter enforcement beginning on Monday, 29 September 2025, allowing residents ample time to adapt to the new guidance.

Key reminders for households include:

• No bin liners in any bins (these are specific bin liners, not general bin bags).

• Keep bin lids fully closed; create space by maximising recycling or using council facilities.

• No extra bin bags beside bins – these will not be collected.

• Clearly mark house numbers on bins and boxes. • Only one black bin per household, unless additional capacity has been pre-approved.

• Sort recycling properly, as incorrect items could lead to no collection.

• Present bins by 7am on collection day and retrieve them by 8pm.

Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee, explained: "This is about helping Belfast residents recycle more and get on top of their household waste, while keeping our staff safe at work." She noted that many other councils already follow similar guidelines and that a consistent approach is needed.

Councillor Brooks added that the changes will reduce the risk of accidents for staff and align with new lorry operational features regarding overflowing or lined bins. She encouraged residents to use council resources, including the website, posters, and resource advisors at upcoming events like Freshers’ Week and the Autumn Fair, for guidance.

To further support residents, the council's website includes FAQs on medical waste, details of the new tags, how to order replacement bins, and tips for larger households needing more space in their general waste (black) bins. Residents can also utilise free council services, such as four recycling centres, three civic amenity sites, and a free bulky waste collection service.