Your winter waste and recycling update

Christmas collection changes, recycling progress and helpful tips for the festive season.

It’s been a busy year for waste and recycling in Blackpool, with some of the biggest changes to household collections in over 20 years. As we approach Christmas, Enveco NW is sharing important winter collection information, along with a few helpful reminders to make recycling easier.

Christmas and New Year collection changes

Some bin and food waste collections will take place earlier than usual over the festive period. Please check the revised dates below and present your waste by 7am on your collection day.

Normal collection day
Monday 21 December
Tuesday 22 December
Wednesday 23 December
Thursday 24 December
Friday 25 December
Monday 28 – Thursday 31 December
Friday 1 January

New collection day
Saturday 19 December
Monday 21 December
Tuesday 22 December
Wednesday 23 December
Thursday 24 December
No change
Saturday 2 January

Normal collections resume from Monday 4 January 2027.

Winter Break

Our Green and Go garden waste collection service will take its annual winter break from 20 November 2026 to 18 January 2027. No garden waste collections will take place during this period.

Planning ahead for spring? Existing subscribers will receive renewal email reminders on 1 February, 15 February and 10 March 2027.

For more information, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk.

A big year for recycling – thank you, Blackpool!

Since April, residents have been getting used to new collection schedules, larger recycling bins and weekly food waste collections.

The changes are already making a difference. By July, more than 572 tonnes of food waste had been collected for recycling, while paper and cardboard recycling had increased by over 20%.

Our teams’ work was also recognised at the 2026 LARAC Awards, where Enveco NW won the Circular Economy Achievement Award.

Thank you to everyone across Blackpool for your patience, support and efforts to recycle more.

Christmas recycling tips – let’s get it right!

With extra food, packaging and presents over Christmas, it’s a good time to remember what goes where.

Keep contamination out of recycling. Putting the wrong items in recycling bins can prevent materials from being recycled. Empty and rinse containers, keep food and liquids out of recycling, and place items loose in your recycling bins rather than in bags.

Soft plastics go in your general bin. Plastic film, crisp packets, carrier bags and other soft plastics cannot go in Blackpool’s blue recycling bins. Please place these in your general waste bin.

Any small bag will do for food waste. Used up the liners supplied with your food waste caddy? Don’t worry – you can use any suitable small bag, including one you already have at home. Tie the bag securely and place it inside your outdoor food waste caddy. Food scraps, vegetable peelings, leftovers and even turkey bones can all be recycled.

Make room for Christmas packaging. Flatten cardboard boxes and place clean paper and cardboard in your brown recycling bin. Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, cans and glass bottles or jars belong in your blue lidded bin. Remember, not all Christmas packaging can be recycled.

Not sure what goes where? Check before you bin it! Our handy guide explains what belongs in each bin and helps prevent contamination.

Visit www.enveconw.co.uk/what-goes-where-waste-guide/.

 

 

Give your Christmas tree another purpose

Trinity Hospice’s Christmas tree collection takes place from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 January 2027, raising funds for the hospice and other local charities.

To arrange a collection, visit www.trinityhospice.co.uk/tree-collection.

Together, let’s sort it!

Every item recycled correctly helps make a difference. Thank you for continuing to support Blackpool’s waste and recycling services.

For the latest updates, visit www.enveconw.co.uk or follow @EnvecoBlackpool.

Three Years of Keep Blackpool Tidy

Three Years of Keep Blackpool Tidy, and We’re Just Getting Started

This year marks three years of Keep Blackpool Tidy, and what a journey it’s been.

From community litter picks to neighbourhood champions, residents across Blackpool have helped transform public spaces, and volunteer numbers continue to rise, adding extra sparkle wherever they go.

We’re also getting ready for our second Thank You Event at Blackpool FC, celebrating the people who give back to their town.

But now it’s time for the next chapter.

Our Big Goal: Grow the Pledges

The heart of Keep Blackpool Tidy is the pledge system:

  • Bronze – The pledge to use bins correctly by recycling, and ensuring any dog waste from walking a dog is correctly bagged and placed in bins (Blackpool have over 1,000 street and park litter bins available and can all take dog waste)
  • Silver – The pledge to contribute towards the cleanliness of their street by cleaning/de-weeding outside their property and using the Blackpool council’s reporting form online for any street cleaning issues, such as Fly-tipping, Dog fouling, and graffiti
  • Gold – The pledge to become an active member of the Keep Blackpool Tidy community litter picking group, and/or will look after my alleyway with neighbours to keep it clean and tidy

Our vision? A Keep Blackpool Tidy sticker on lots of wheelie bins in Blackpool.

Each sticker represents a household that cares about their street, their neighbours and their environment.

Whether you’re picking up litter, recycling right or volunteering locally, taking the pledge is your way of saying: this is my town, and I’m proud of it.

Sign up today… 

End-of-Year and Winter Updates

As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding year for Enveco NW and our partners across Blackpool.

Over recent months, our teams have continued to deliver essential day-to-day services while also supporting the introduction of new waste changes across the town.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our frontline staff, the support of our community partners, and the cooperation of residents and businesses.

To everyone who has worked with us, supported our campaigns, adapted to changes, volunteered their time, or simply disposed of their waste responsibly – thank you. Together, you’ve helped us keep Blackpool tidy, welcoming, and resilient.

Winter Changes

Christmas and New Year Service Updates

Waste collection changes

Collection days will change over Christmas – please check your updated dates.

Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)

The Household Waste Recycling Centre and Re-use Shop will be closed on:

  • Christmas Eve

  • Christmas Day

  • Boxing Day

  • New Year’s Eve

  • New Year’s Day

Residents are encouraged to check what can and cannot be taken to the site before visiting.

Green Waste Service

The Green Waste Service will follow its usual winter break, running from Monday 24 November and resuming on Friday 16 January 2026.

Other Waste Services

Rover and Bulky Matters collections

  • Last working day: Monday 22 December 2025
  • Service resumes: Monday 5 January 2026

Christmas Tree Collections

As in previous years, Trinity Hospice will be collecting real Christmas trees for a small donation. This popular scheme helps trees be disposed of responsibly while supporting an important local charity.

Winter and Post-Christmas Recycling Tips

The festive season can be busy and, at times, challenging. As routines change, we’re asking residents to remain mindful of how waste is managed to help services run smoothly for everyone.

Here are a few simple reminders to help over winter:

Use the Right Bin

Please make sure waste is placed in the correct bins. Our recycling guidance explains clearly what goes where and helps reduce contamination.

Wrapping Paper and Cards

  • Shiny, foil or glittery wrapping paper cannot be recycled

  • Choose plain paper where possible

  • Dispose of used wrapping paper in your brown sack or brown bin

Excess Packaging

Online shopping often means extra cardboard. Please flatten boxes before recycling to make space for everyone’s waste.

Unwanted Gifts and Items

If you receive items you don’t need, consider donating them to the Re-use Shop or a local charity. Reuse reduces waste and supports the community.

By recycling thoughtfully and reusing where possible, we can all make a positive difference this winter.

A Year of Campaigns, Community Action and Pride

2025 has been a standout year for local environmental action and community pride.

Bag It, Bin It

Now in its third year, the Bag It, Bin It campaign continues to tackle dog fouling.

Keep Blackpool Tidy

Through the Keep Blackpool Tidy programme, residents have:

  • Taken pledges to look after their neighbourhoods

  • Volunteered for litter picks

  • Reported environmental issues across the town

Blackpool Beach Litter Pick Marathon

Our first-ever Beach Litter Pick Marathon, delivered with SEA LIFE Centre Blackpool, saw over 170 volunteers clean multiple coastal zones in one morning – a fantastic example of partnership working in action.

Blackpool in Bloom

Now in its third year with Enveco NW, Blackpool in Bloom continues to grow. Entries increased from 27 in its first year to a record 58 entries in 2025, celebrating the residents and businesses who bring colour and care to our town.

Simpler Recycling

Alongside Blackpool Council, we’ve also been working hard to deliver the new Simpler Recycling service changes, including new recycling bin hubs, new bin rollout and improved collection systems, helping residents recycle more easily and consistently.

Celebrating Success

Green Flag Awards

We’re proud to share that seven Blackpool parks have achieved Green Flag Award status – the national standard for high-quality green spaces. This achievement reflects the combined efforts of Enveco NW Environmental Services, Blackpool Council, and dedicated volunteer groups.

North West in Bloom

For the third year running, Enveco NW Environmental Services has secured Silver Gilt in the Small City category at the North West in Bloom Awards – a true testament to the commitment of our teams, partners, and communities.

Thank You and Festive Wishes

As the year draws to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our colleagues, partners, volunteers, residents, and businesses. Your support, patience, and pride in Blackpool make everything we do possible.

We look forward to continuing this work together in the new year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
The Enveco NW Team

Enveco Launches Vape Recycling Initiative at Blackpool’s Household Waste Recycling Centre

We are excited to announce the launch of a vape recycling initiative at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), marking an important step forward in managing waste from single-use vapes.

The HWRC team has been actively exploring ways to manage and recycle the growing volume of vape waste. After considerable research and efforts, they discovered a cost-effective solution following discussions with a Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) provider. In response, Enveco’s HWRC applied to the producer-funded scheme, resulting in Wastecare, a leading waste management company based in Widnes, being selected to handle vape recycling. The Wastecare solution is fully funded from the producer-funded scheme, ensuring a sustainable and cost-effective approach for Blackpool residents.

The recycling process is simple and efficient. Residents can drop off their used vapes at the HWRC, where they will be safely stored in a specially provided receptacle. This ensures the safe disposal and recycling of vapes, reducing the environmental impact of these products.

Whilst it’s too early to estimate the total volume of vape waste, Enveco is optimistic that this initiative will provide a sustainable solution as demand for recycling increases, particularly with the government’s move towards a ban on single-use vapes.

Councillor Adrian Hoyle, Chair of the Enveco Board said:

“This is a significant step forward in vape waste management, benefiting both the environment and Blackpool. Enveco remains committed in providing innovative waste solutions and continues to seek new ways to improve recycling programs for the residents of Blackpool.”

Are you ready for the Christmas/Winter season?

To help, we have some important updates, helpful tips, and seasonal reminders to make your waste disposal and recycling efforts even easier during the festive season and beyond.

Green Waste

The Green Waste Service will have the usual winter break between the 22nd of November 2024 to the 17th of January 2025.

Christmas Tree Collection

Like previous years, the Trinity Hospice Charity will be collecting used Christmas Trees. If you would like your tree collected (for a small donation), please visit Trinity Hospice for details.

Winter Waste Collection Changes

To check your current waste collection day please click this link.

 

Winter and Post-Christmas Recycling Tips for Blackpool Residents

As the colder months and Christmas celebrations approach it’s important to stay mindful of how we handle our waste.

At Enveco NW, we’re committed to helping you recycle efficiently this winter. Here are some handy tips to make sure you’re doing your part for our environment:

Correct Use of Bins: Please ensure you’re using the right bins for your waste.

To help take a look at our BRAND NEW waste guide in the image below, which has been created with Makaton Symbols’*.

* Makaton is a communication programme that is increasingly used by people with communication difficulties to aid communication.

Wrapping Paper and Cards: Not all festive wrapping paper can be recycled. Avoid foil or glittery paper—stick to plain, non-laminated paper that can go in your brown sack.

Excess Packaging: With the increase in online deliveries, please remember to flatten and break down your cardboard boxes before placing them in your brown sack to make space for everyone’s recycling.

2. Unwanted Gifts and Items: If you have gifts you don’t need or items in good condition, consider donating them to our local Re-use Shop or a local charity. This helps reduce waste and supports the community.

3. Food Waste: During Christmas, food waste can increase significantly. Try to avoid overbuying and use leftovers creatively. If you do have unavoidable food waste, ensure it’s disposed of in your grey lidded bin.

By recycling thoughtfully and reusing where possible, we can all make a big difference this winter. Together, let’s Keep Blackpool Tidy and green throughout the festive season!

Blackpool Wins Silver Gilt at Northwest in Bloom Awards 2024

The award was accepted by Enveco NW Environmental Services on behalf of the town during a ceremony held on Friday, 30th October, at the Bolton Arena.

The Northwest in Bloom competition is part of the nationwide Britain in Bloom initiative, the UK’s largest community gardening competition, overseen by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The competition celebrates excellence in horticulture, community involvement, and environmental sustainability, three core themes of the RHS.

This Silver Gilt award is a significant achievement for Blackpool, building on the town’s recent success in the Blackpool in Bloom competition. Two RHS judges, Sharon Martin and John Bilsborough, visited a range of parks and community spaces across the town, showcasing the dedication of volunteers, community groups, and Enveco’s gardening and street cleansing teams. Their work has contributed to a cleaner, greener, and more attractive Blackpool.

Among the highlights of the judging tour were local landmarks such as the Fylde Memorial Arboretum, Community Woodland, Claremont Park Community Centre, and the Watson Road Park Secret Garden, all of which reflect the town’s commitment to creating vibrant, green spaces for everyone.

Blackpool’s parks are maintained by a dedicated team of 17 Enveco gardeners, whose hard work is complemented by the support of a passionate group of volunteers. Their collective efforts ensure that the town’s green spaces remain not only beautiful but also welcoming to all.

The award ceremony at Bolton Arena saw many North West communities celebrated for their gardening achievements, with entrants, winners, and volunteers applauded for their invaluable contributions to the region’s natural beauty.

Full North West in Bloom Awards 2024 results for Blackpool:

  • Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Hospital Category – Gold
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Large Tourist Attraction/Visitor Centre – Gold
  • Belle View Strawberry Gardens Community Group, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Cherry Tree Community Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Claremont Park Community Centre, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 3 – Advancing
  • Devonshire Road Rock Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Enveco NW, Blackpool –Small City, Silver Gilt
  • Friends of Anchorsholme Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Friends of East Pines Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Friends of Jubilee Gardens (Gynn Square), Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Grow Blackpool The Grange, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Solaris Dementia Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 3 – Advancing
  • The Hub at Grange Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Watson Road Park, Secret Garden, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change with responsibilities for parks and green environment, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement and it is wonderful to see this well-deserved recognition for all of the hard work undertaken to make our parks and community spaces cleaner and more attractive for all to enjoy.”

“A big thanks to Enveco NW Environmental Services and all the community groups and volunteers from the 15 gardens, parks, and green spaces in Blackpool that were named in the North West Bloom Awards. We are so proud of everyone.”

 

Keeping Blackpool Tidy with the help of the Environment Agency

Enveco NW Environmental Services Hosts The Second Annual Litter-Picking Event for Environment Agency Employees

This June, dedicated employees of the Environment Agency took to Blackpool’s beach and promenade to help Keep Blackpool Tidy from litter. Enveco’s street cleansing service diligently cleans the beach every morning from 6am, but due to the resort attracting a high footfall of visitors litter builds up throughout the day. The help from these events and Enveco’s valued volunteers adds an extra sparkle to Blackpool’s streets and town.

After a high tide, unusual items are often found on the beach, and this year was no exception, with the team discovering a large trowel and old metal buckets. The Environment Agency employees receive two volunteering days per year, and they have chosen litter picking again as they feel it’s crucial to the environment to keep it litter-free. Despite the wind, the team managed to collectively pick 72.5 kilograms of rubbish.

Enveco NW is proud to host this annual event, which not only benefits the local community but also demonstrates the Environment Agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship. If you would like to organise a company litter pick, email enquiries@enveconw.co.uk today – Or, if you want to become a part of the Keep Blackpool Tidy community,

If you want to a organise a company litter pick email enquires@enveconw.co.uk today. Or do you want to become apart of the Keep Blackpool Tidy community? Find out how today and go to the official Keep Blackpool Tidy page today.

Keep up-to-date with the latest Blackpool environmental campaigns and news by following socials today @EnvecoBlackpool.

Blackpool’s HWRC Heroes rescue car keys from the skip!

A Blackpool resident used the Household Waste Recycling Centre and unintentionally threw his car keys into a skip. In addition to being kind and efficient, the staff members went above and beyond to retrieve the keys.

Max Speakman of Blackpool visited the Household Waste Recycling Centre on January 29th. During the visit he unfortunately misplaced his car keys in the skip, while discarding the waste. When the visitor returned to his unlocked car and couldn’t find his keys he realised immediately – out of concern he went straight to an HWRC staff member for assistance. This occurred two minutes before the site was scheduled to close.

That day, every employee participated in the effort to find the missing keys. The team and the resident decided to call it a night after 30 minutes of nonstop searching in the rain. The Site Manager and Assistant Manager arranged for the unlocked vehicle to be left on site overnight, with security monitoring the vehicle until the keys could be found. In a panic, the resident returned home and began researching companies where he could purchase new car keys. He anticipated having to pay about £450.00 for replacements.

The following morning the Site Manager devised a strategy. He realised the most efficient way to look for the missing keys would be to arrange for the skip to be taken to the Layton Depot to be tipped out. The manager then contacted the resident to ask if he was happy with the plan – the resident was over the moon and was very pleased when the site manager said this would be done free of charge. The Assistant Manager and other HWRC staff members went to the Depot to sort through the waste, by 10:00am the keys had been found.

A great success and effort from all those involved.

The girlfriend of Max Speakman said:

“Honestly honestly honestly can’t thank all the workers enough – they went above and beyond and saved my grateful partner a lot of money. They didn’t have to do any of that and the fact that they did restored our faith in humanity”.

 

Memorial Stones Rescued from Marton Methodist Church Before Demolition!

The Fylde Memorial Arboretum aims to find family members of 8 memorial stones saved from demolition.  

Steve Harvey, Enveco’s grounds maintenance gardener noticed that Marton Methodist church was due for demolition. From spending many days with his family at the church he remembered the section of memorial stones. Concerned about what would happen to the stones, Steve Harvey reached out to the new owners of the church who stated the stones would be saved to keep the memories of families and veterans alive. Steve Harvey then contacted the Volunteering Manager, Chairman of the Fylde Ex-service Liaison Committee, Paul Binns, and Volunteering Labourer, Captain John Jones from Fylde Memorial Arboretum Community Woodland about the memorials.

One of the stones is a memorial tablet, inscribed with 38 names of local men who were killed during the First World War between 1914 to 1918. It was decided the tablet would be placed in a suitable setting at the arboretum. Enveco’s grounds maintenance team placed the stone in a tastefully decorated area that Captain John Jones had created with stones and a handcrafted memorial statue. Everyone who was involved did a fantastic job.

However, it didn’t stop there, as part of the rescue, Steve Harvey managed to retrieve 8 additional memorial stones and handed them to the Arboretum for safekeeping. They aim to return these to family members. Can you help? Below are the names of these additional stones that are looking to be returned to family members:

  • The Leeming Family
  • Mr and Mrs J.R. Cookson
  • John and Emma Parkinson
  • Mr and Mrs John Hallam
  • Mr John W Cardwell
  • Mr W Carr
  • Thomas and Betty Cardwell (of Cropper)
  • Elizabeth and Howorth
  • Mrs E.D. Denbigh

Can you help get these stones to the right people? If so, please email marketing@enveconw.co.uk for more details.

Jez Evans Operations director from Enveco NW Said:

”Steve’s commitment to pursue the safekeeping of memorial stones when Marton Methodist Church was sold, cannot be understated to preserve the names of Blackpool residents who lost their lives in the Great War. Enveco and Blackpool Council have a strong relationship with the Fylde Memorial Arboretum volunteers who tirelessly maintain the community woodland and would encourage anyone to consider supporting this ‘Green Space Asset’”.

The beautiful space at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland was founded by Don Aiken, a D-Day Veteran, the 5.5-acre site contains a range of young trees as a living memorial to remember fallen comrades and loved ones. If you love the outdoors and are interested in meeting like-minded people – They are looking for volunteers! To find out more about volunteering opportunities email paul-binns@sky.com.

 

 

 

 

Young Blackpool resident meets with her favourite bin operatives

Blackpool’s two-year-old, Freya beams when her favourite bin operatives empty her bins.

It all started in October 2022 when Freya, who was only 18 months old at the time, saw Enveco’s domestic bin wagon outside her home. She waved to the bin operatives and enjoyed the lights of the wagon. Ever since their first meeting, Freya waits happily for her bin day to arrive, so she can wave to Dave Hindle, Gary Machell, and Geoff Kam, Enveco’s domestic bin operatives as they empty her bins.

Since Freya found joy from this experience her family and the Enveco team orgainsed a special day where the bin operatives visited her. She had the opportunity to sit in the wagon with her parents and learn everything there was to know about what goes inside.

It’s encouraging to see a young resident take delight in the work that domestic bin operatives do, as it’s a crucial and significant aspect of Keeping Blackpool Tidy.

Freya’s parents support her good attitude by making sure she has toys relating to waste, such as a waste truck of her own and a children’s book explaining what goes in the bins.

If you know of any young Blackpool residents with a similar interest in the domestic waste service, please email your story to marketing@enveconw.co.uk.