Residents across Cheshire East are set to see their black bin collections reduced to once every three weeks from Autumn 2026, following confirmation from Labour-led Cheshire East Council that service changes are being introduced alongside new food waste collections.
The changes come after council tax was increased by 4.99%, the maximum permitted without triggering a referendum.
Under the new arrangements:
- Black bin collections will move to every three weeks
- Food waste collections will be introduced
- Recycling collections remain fortnightly
- Garden waste collections remain subscription-based
- Collection days may change for many households
However, local politician Sean Houlston, Deputy Chairman of Congleton Conservatives and a long-standing advocate for stronger local services, has launched a survey to gather residents’ views on how the changes will affect households across the borough.
Sean Houlston said:
“Residents are now being asked to pay more in council tax while receiving fewer black bin collections. People understand recycling is important, but they rightly expect Cheshire East Council to protect frontline services.
"I want to hear directly from residents about how often they use their bins and whether these changes will work in practice for families locally. That feedback will help shape the case we make to decision makers.”
Sean is encouraging residents to complete a short survey so their views can be used to challenge the approach being taken.
