We are making our waste and recycling collections more consistent, efficient and reliable. We are also making it easier for you to recycle.
Changes to waste and recycling collections in your area
Use the online waste calendar to find collection dates for your address. You can also download and print your bin calendar.
Check your waste and recycling collection dates
Improvements to our kerbside recycling service
We are going to make some changes to how recycling is collected in Carlisle. This will start from March 2027.
Most properties will be provided with wheeled bins for recycling. One bin for paper and cardboard and one bin for glass, cans, plastics and cartons. There will be some households that will remain on the current box and bag scheme for recycling, due to access.
We will write to householders to provide an update in November 2026.
We will start delivering the bins from January 2027 - over seven weeks - to around 55,000 properties. We will ask residents to carry on using their existing recycling boxes and bags until the new recycling collections start in March 2027.
A small number of properties will have a change of collection day.
Engagement events
If you have questions about the new collections, join us at the one of the following events:
- Asda, Chandler Way: Thursday 7 January, 10am to 3pm
- Asda, London Road: Friday 15 January, 10am to 3pm
- Sainsbury’s, Caldewgate: Thursday 21 January, 10am to 3pm
- Brampton Farmers’ Market: Saturday 30 January, 9am to 1pm
- Carlisle Outdoor Market: Friday 12 February, 10am to 3pm
- Morrisons, Kingstown Road: Thursday 18 February, 10am to 3pm
We will also have information available at Carlisle Library between Friday 29 January and Monday 15 February.
Safer working
We've introduced additional safety measures for waste and recycling collections to protect crews and the public.
Here's what we're doing to make collections safer:
- crews will follow more stringent reversing practices
- assessing routes and assigning vehicles that meet new health and safety guidance
- temporary measures are in place so collections can continue
Food waste collections
Food waste is currently collected as part of household residual waste in Cumberland. Weekly separate food waste collections are not yet in place.
Current arrangements
Household food waste is managed under a long term waste disposal contract with Biffa Cumbria Limited. Waste is treated at Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities in Carlisle and Barrow in Furness.
Under these arrangements, food waste is treated but not collected separately, which does not meet the requirement for weekly separate food waste collections set out in legislation.
When weekly food waste collections will start
Weekly separate food waste collections will be reviewed by 2034.
Cumberland Council has agreed bespoke transitional arrangements, allowing weekly domestic food waste collections to be deferred until the current waste disposal contract ends.
These arrangements were formally confirmed in May 2024 through The Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 9 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024.