Merton bin collection dates
- Add your dates to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar
- Get an email the evening before
- Print an A4 sheet for the fridge
Bins in Merton
These are the containers used in Merton. Which ones a home has depends on its address.
Mixed recycling
Food waste
Garden waste
Garden waste wheelie bins
Paper and card
Container details
The container pictures and words are Merton Borough Council's own. This may not be every container it uses.
Greyed-out bin icons are placeholders where the container type or colour is not confirmed.
Container descriptions checked 17 September 2026; list of collections built from Merton Borough Council's own service names 22 September 2026.
Order, book and apply
- Bins, recycling boxes, bags and caddy liners for different homesMerton Borough Council
- When and where to put your bins outMerton Borough Council
- Garden waste collectionsMerton Borough Council
- Get rid of a bulky itemMerton Borough Council
- Garden waste collectionsMerton Borough Council
Links checked 18 September 2026.
Missed bin or a problem
Tell Merton Borough Council first - it can only fix what it knows about.
- Report a missed binA bin that wasn't emptied on the day.
- Make a complaint to Merton Borough CouncilIf reporting it didn't fix it.
Complaint didn't work either? Ask your councillors
If you've already reported the problem and used the council's complaints process, your borough councillors can take up a repeated problem or a wider service failure. Find and write to my borough councillors on Merton Borough Council.
WriteToThem is an independent mySociety service. You'll enter your postcode there before choosing who to contact.
Complaint routes verified 6 September 2026.
How Merton compares
- Recycled or composted
- 38%of household waste, 2024 to 2025
- Rubbish not recycled
- 496 kgper household a year
- Cost of collections
- £72per household a year. Similar councils: £86
- Value for money
- 8 out of 10 An independently constructed WhenIsBins rating, not an official government rating.
Official figures for England, 2024 to 2025.
Local bins and recycling news
AI-generated summary, reviewed before publication. Checked 18 September 2026.
Merton households can book one free bulky-waste collection a year for up to three items following the service’s launch on 1 June 2026. Sofas, mattresses and fridges are among the items covered. Council leader Ross Garrod said making disposal easier would help keep streets clean and reduce fly-tipping. The council announced extra collection capacity with Veolia to meet expected demand, with bookings offered on a first-come basis. The launch also accompanied plans to expand free pop-up tips so every neighbourhood receives the service at least four times a year, alongside the existing Garth Road recycling centre.
- Merton delivers on promise to introduce FREE Bulky Waste ... — news.merton.gov.uk