In response to the ongoing extreme heat and an Amber Weather Warning issued by the Met Office, Colchester City Council has suspended dry recycling collections (paper, plastic, cans, and glass) scheduled for Tuesday, 1 July 2025.
Households due a recycling collection on this date are asked not to put out recycling or to bring it back in if already presented. Residents are asked to hold on to recycling until their next scheduled collection for those materials.
To prioritise crew safety and maintain essential services, collection vehicles will be redirected to support the collection of non-recyclable waste, which will go ahead as planned. Food waste, garden waste, and business waste will also be collected as scheduled.
With temperatures expected to exceed 30°C on Tuesday, 1 July, this decision has been made to protect the health and wellbeing of our collection crews.
The council aims to resume scheduled recycling collections from Wednesday, 2 July, subject to a forecasted drop in temperatures.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of our staff is extremely important to us, and we trust you will understand why these decisions have been taken.”
We appreciate residents understanding and cooperation. Further updates will be shared on the council’s website.
Residents can check recycling calendars at www.colchester.gov.uk/your-recycling-calendar to see their next scheduled collection day.
Page last reviewed: 30 June 2025