Christmas waste and recycling collections

The festive season is upon us, and we’ve got you covered on all things recycling and waste.

Christmas and New Year collection changes

Recycling, waste, and garden subscription collections will change for two weeks over the Christmas and New Year period due to both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on a Thursday.

Christmas 2025 - Recycling and waste collections

Collections will return to normal from Monday 5 January 2026.

In addition, no bulky waste or free reuse collections will be made on Thursday 25 December, Friday 26 December and Thursday 1 January 2026.

Polystyrene collection

We will collect excess polystyrene from households on general waste (black bin/black reusable sack) collection days from Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 16 January 2026.

If you have extra polystyrene packaging that won’t fit in your black bin or sack, place it inside a clear or white plastic bag next to your bin on your collection day.

Only polystyrene should be in the bag.

Any excess general waste or black sacks left beside your bin will not be collected.

After 16 January, please remember that as polystyrene is not currently recyclable it must be placed in your black bin/black reusable sack or taken to Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh Household Waste Recycling Centre and placed in the general rubbish skip.

Cardboard waste

If you have lots of cardboard, please bundle it separately and place it next to your recycling bin/sack on your recycling week collection.

Batteries

Remove batteries from all electrical items before collection. Place spent household batteries in a clear sandwich-sized bag.

Leave the bag on top of your general waste (not inside) on your general waste collection day.

Important: Batteries disposed of incorrectly are dangerous. Large batteries (laptop, phone, power tool, or car batteries) or batteries that cannot be removed should be taken to your nearest household waste recycling centre.

Real Christmas tree collection

If you have an active garden waste subscription, you can dispose of real Christmas trees as part of the service. Trees must be free of decorations and pots.

Leave your tree next to your garden bin on your collection day from Monday 5 January 2026 to Friday 16 January 2026.

Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs)

Lynnbottom and Afton Marsh HWRCs will be closed on Christmas Day. All other days will follow normal opening hours.

Book your visit in advance or choose a same-day booking via the Isle of Wight Council website or by calling 01983 823777.

• More information on waste and recycling