Bin collection days may change for households across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon from the week beginning Monday 26 October 2026, as ABC Council introduces a borough-wide review of its waste collection routes.
More than 91,000 households are due to receive an information leaflet and a six-month collection calendar by post between Monday 5 October and Thursday 15 October. Residents are being asked to read the information carefully and keep it for reference.
What residents need to do
Householders should check their leaflet to see whether their collection day is changing. The new day can also be checked online at armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/binchanges.
- Put the bin out by 7am on the new collection day.
- Continue to leave the bin in the usual location.
- Follow the existing guidance on waste and recycling.
Black, green and brown bins will continue to be collected every fortnight. For affected households, the principal change will be the day of collection rather than the frequency of service.
Why are the routes changing?
The council says the programme is intended to make the service more efficient, reliable and cost-effective while responding to the needs of a growing community.
It says collection routes and workloads are being rebalanced to respond to population growth and changing demand. The council also expects smarter routing to improve reliability, reduce unnecessary mileage, fuel use and vehicle emissions, and make better use of resources while maintaining the same core service.
Launching the campaign, ABC Borough Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “We understand that any change to household bin collection arrangements can take a little time to get used to, which is why we are providing residents with information well in advance of the new schedules coming into effect.”
She added: “I would encourage every household to take the time to check their new collection information and make a note of their new collection day. It is particularly important that bins are presented by 7am on the correct day from week commencing 26 October.”
Longer gap possible during transition
Some households may face a longer gap between collections while moving from the current schedule to the new one. The council has asked residents to plan for the change and be patient during the transition.
Residents with surplus residual waste or recyclable material can use their nearest Household Recycling Centre. The council has also reminded households that green and brown bins should contain only the specified materials. Incorrect items can contaminate recycling and may mean a bin is not emptied.
Further information, frequently asked questions and collection-day checks are available at the council’s bin changes webpage. Residents can also use the ABC Council App. Assistance is available on 03300 561 020, while information in other languages can be accessed through the webpage’s Translate function.