Christmas Hours

Check when Council Services will be closing over this Christmas period.

Christmas hours

5. Rubbish and recycling collections

Changes to Christmas and New Year bin collections

Please be aware that there will be changes to the waste and recycling rounds due on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Please share this message with your neighbours, friends and family.

Alternative collections are as follows:

  • Bins due on Wednesday 25 December will be collected on Saturday 28 December, including green bins and food caddies.
  • Bins due on Thursday 26 December will be collected earlier on Saturday 21 December. 
  • Bins due on Wednesday 1 January will be collected on Saturday 4 January.
  • Please note - for collections on 21 December and 4 January, green bins and food caddies will not be emptied, so do not put them out. They will be collected as normal on Wednesday 8 January.

For all your waste and recycling information – including what goes in which bin, what date your normal collection is, how to report a missed bin collection and opening times for Arkwright Street tip visit:

Disposing of your real Christmas trees

Once you have taken your Christmas tree down you can recycle it by putting it in your green bin.
Just chop it into small pieces, remove the wooden block from the base of the tree as this is too big to be composted, and take off any lights and decorations.

Alternatively, you can take it to Arkwright Street Household Waste and Recycling Centre – along with any extra Christmas waste you may have – or leave it at one of our collection points in the following parks (from December 28 to January 15):

  • Higher Memorial Park (car park), Joseph Street, Failsworth (open 7.30am until dusk)
  • Royton Park (car park) off Bleasdale Street, Royton. (open 7.30am until dusk)
  • Werneth Park (car park) off Frederick Street, Werneth (open 7.30am until dusk)
  • Churchill Playing Fields (car park), Wellington Road, Greenfield. Anytime access.
  • George Street Playing Fields (car park), off Milnrow Road, Shaw. Anytime access.

Recycling other paper and card

All your Christmas cards, wrapping paper and cardboard packaging can be recycled using your blue bins or recycling bags.
If you have things that are too big to fit in your bin, you can:

  • Take them to Arkwright Street Waste and Recycling Centre, Oldham, OL9 9LZ - for free.

To find your nearest tip, visit:

Disposing of bulky items

Arrange for bulky items, such as furniture, electrical items and flooring to be collected by Bulky Bobs.

To book a collection call:

  • 0161 770 6644.  

Bulky Bob’s has been providing a bulky household waste collection and reuse service to Oldham Council residents since 2006.

They collect, test, repair, and refurbish furniture, ensuring it reaches those experiencing furniture poverty.

For more information: visit the Unwanted Bulky or large items webpage