Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council's Waste and Recycling department offers various services to assist residents with their waste management needs. Common reasons for calling include reporting missed collections, booking visits to recycling centres, and arranging bulky waste pickups. Typical wait times can be long, especially during peak hours and after bank holidays, so calling early in the morning is advisable. Online services are available for booking recycling centre visits and reporting issues, providing an alternative to phone calls. Proof of Birmingham residency is required for certain services, and abuse of staff is not tolerated.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Report missed waste collection
- Book recycling centre visit
- Request bulky waste pickup
- Ask waste service questions
- Confirm collection schedules
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- Address details
- Proof of residency
- Vehicle details
- List of bulky items
- Collection date
- Type of waste
Known issues
Callers often experience long wait times, particularly during peak hours and after bank holidays. To avoid delays, try calling early or use online services when possible. Some users find the online booking system for recycling centres confusing, especially regarding proof of residency and vehicle restrictions. Clear instructions are available on the website, and staff can provide guidance on-site. Frequent complaints about missed waste or recycling collections can be addressed by reporting them online or by phone for rescheduling. Ensuring you have all necessary information ready before calling can help streamline the process.
