‘One in Four’ Brown Bin Collection winter pilot scheme

Brown bin collections will move from fortnightly collections to a ‘One in Four’ weeks cycle for households across the ABC Borough from mid December to the end of March 2025, with residents’ collection day of the week remaining the same during this period.

The ‘One in Four’ initiative is a pilot scheme during the winter months when less garden waste is produced and the contents of the brown bin is considerably reduced and will enable the Council to lower its carbon footprint through less mileage and fuel usage with a reduction in vehicle emissions.

Residents can find their collection dates during this period from the ‘Find my bin day’ tab below, or downloading the ABC Council App. The normal fortnightly collections of brown bins will resume from the end of March.

The council is introducing a ‘One in Four’ weeks collection cycle as a pilot scheme.   During the winter period less garden waste is produced and the contents of the brown bin is considerably lower reducing the need for fortnightly collections. This will help the Council manage other waste collection services during the winter period.

The scheme will also enable the Council to reduce its carbon footprint through less mileage and fuel usage with a reduction in vehicle emissions.

Why are we changing brown bin collections?

The council is introducing a ‘One in Four’ weeks collection cycle as a pilot scheme.   During the winter period less garden waste is produced and the contents of the brown bin is considerably lower reducing the need for fortnightly collections. This will help the Council manage other waste collection services during the winter period.

The scheme will also enable the Council to reduce its carbon footprint through less mileage and fuel usage with a reduction in vehicle emissions.

How do I find out when my next brown bin collection date is taking place?

Residents can find out when their brown bins will be collected during this period by downloading the ABC Council App, or visiting the webpage – www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/when-is-my-bin-day

When will fortnightly brown bin collections begin again?

The normal fortnightly collections of brown bins will resume from the end of March 2025.

What do I do if my brown bin fills up ?

If your brown bin becomes full, you can take excess garden waste along to your local recycling centre.  However, food waste must be kept within the brown bin until the next scheduled collection.

I’m concerned about food waste being in the bin for 4 weeks – what can I do?

Food and organic waste can be stored in your brown bins for four weeks. Residents should ensure the lids of bins are closed securely and that any spilled waste material is cleaned up from the bin storage area. With lower temperatures and often frosts during the winter period, food waste will decompose more slowly. You can wrap food waste in newspaper before placing in your brown bin. You can also use compostable liners for your kitchen caddy and place the tied bag in the brown bin.  One roll of compostable liners can be collected free of charge at any of our Recycling Centres. Most supermarkets also stock the compostable bin liners. Ensure the liners have the following symbol below.

Kitchen caddy

Can I put food waste in my black bin?

Residents are asked not to use their black bin for food waste, as food and organic waste in landfill creates harmful emissions. During this pilot period, it is important that residents continue to use their brown bins as normal for all food waste and organic materials.

I would like to put less in the brown bin?

We can all reduce the amount of food waste from our homes – advice is available  at

Love Food Hate Waste / Preventing food waste

If you have some outdoor garden space, get advice on home composting.

How to set up home composting | Recycle Now

Who do I contact for further information?

For further information or advice residents can contact the Environmental Service Team by emailing or telephoning: 03300 561 020.

How can I download the ABC Council App

The ABC Council App is available to download free on the App store and Google Play store. Visit the App Store or Google Play and search for ‘ABC Council App’ and simply click download.

For all queries relating to commercial and trade waste during the Brown Bin winter pilot scheme, please contact the Environmental Services Team by emailing  or telephoning: 03300 561 020.