Reminder: Red tags coming soon for bin collections

Date: 23 September 2025

Belfast City Council is reminding residents that from 29 September, bins that don’t follow the updated bin collection guidelines will receive a red tag and will not be collected.

The move follows the rollout of amber tags earlier this summer, which acted as a warning system to highlight common issues such as overfilled bins, extra bags, or incorrect items being placed in recycling. To avoid a red tag residents must ensure their bin lids are fully closed, and bins are not lined with liners. 
  
From 29 September, red tags mean no collection until the problem is fixed.  
  
Residents are also asked to:  

• Not leave extra bags beside bins – these won’t be collected 
• Put bins out by 7am and bring it back in by 7pm on collection day 
• Clearly number bins 
• Sort recycling correctly, wrong items mean no collection 
• Only put one black bin out per household (unless approved for extra capacity)  
• Never dump waste illegally – could result in a £400 fixed penalty 

If bins are not presented correctly, they will receive a red tag outlining what they need to do before the bin can be emptied on the next scheduled collection day. 
  
Residents are reminded of the free and simple alternatives available if bins are full:  

• Book a free bulky waste collection - visit belfastcity.gov.uk/bulkywaste or call 028 9027 0230   
• Take excess waste to your local recycling centre or civic amenity site 
• Flatten packaging to save space  
• Recycle more and use your food waste bin to save space in your general waste

"We’ve introduced these rules to make sure everyone presents their bins properly, this will protect the safety of our staff, keep our streets clean and help us all recycle more.”, says Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of the People and Communities Committee.  
 
“The amber tags were a chance for households to get used to these updated guidelines and think more about how best they can reduce their household waste and recycle as much as possible. But from now on, a red tag means your bin won’t be collected until the problem is fixed. This change is to ensure we have a consistent approach to our waste collection arrangements and helping our collection crews do their jobs safely and efficiently."  
   
For more information, including help with on what goes in your bins and boxes and answers to common questions about bin collection arrangements, visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/bins

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