City of London bin collection: waste collection, refuse and missed bins in the Square Mile
City of London bin collection is managed by the City of London Corporation, which is entirely separate from the 32 London boroughs. The City of London covers the Square Mile including EC1, EC2, EC3 and EC4 postcodes. City of London waste collection and City of London refuse collection serve one of the smallest but most densely used areas in the UK, with a residential population of around 9,000 but a daytime working population of over 500,000. City of London rubbish collection, City of London Council bin collection and City of London recycling collection are all managed through cityoflondon.gov.uk. Do not confuse the City of London Corporation with the Mayor of London or any of the 32 London boroughs, which are entirely separate authorities.
City of London bin collection at a glance
| Who collects | City of London Corporation (not a London borough) |
| Area covered | The Square Mile: EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4 postcodes |
| Find bin day | gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day postcode checker |
| Report missed bin | cityoflondon.gov.uk missed waste collection form |
| Residential population | Approximately 9,000 residents |
| City of London recycling | Recycling collection managed by City of London Corporation |
| Commercial waste | City of London has high commercial waste volumes; residential and commercial services are separate |
Find your City of London bin collection day
City of London bin collection days are confirmed through the national gov.uk rubbish collection day checker. Enter your EC1, EC2, EC3 or EC4 postcode to find your specific City of London waste collection schedule. City of London Council bin collection and City of London Corporation waste collection dates vary by street within the Square Mile so always check your own postcode rather than a neighbour's day.
City of London rubbish collection, City of London refuse collection and City of London recycling collection are all managed separately from the surrounding London boroughs. If your postcode falls on the boundary between the City of London and a neighbouring borough such as Tower Hamlets, Islington or Southwark, always confirm which authority serves your specific address at cityoflondon.gov.uk. City of London waste services cover household waste collection for the small residential population of the Square Mile as well as supporting the enormous commercial waste infrastructure of the financial district.
Find your City of London bin collection dayCity of London: Square Mile postcodes covered
City of London waste collection: what you need to know
- Household waste collection: City of London rubbish collection and City of London refuse collection cover the small residential population of the Square Mile. City of London Council bin collection uses standard containers depending on your property type.
- City of London recycling collection: Recycling is collected separately from general waste. City of London Corporation recycling covers paper, card, plastic, cans and glass for residential properties.
- Food waste: Food waste collection is available for City of London residential properties. Check cityoflondon.gov.uk for your specific food waste collection arrangements.
- Bulky waste collection London: City of London Corporation offers a bulky waste collection service for large household items. Book through cityoflondon.gov.uk. This is separate from standard City of London bin collection.
- Commercial waste: Commercial waste collection in the City of London is a separate service for businesses. The City of London handles enormous volumes of commercial waste from the financial district daily. Businesses must arrange their own commercial waste collection through a licensed contractor or the City of London Corporation commercial waste service.
- Garden waste: Garden waste removal London within the City of London is limited given the small amount of green space. Check cityoflondon.gov.uk for current garden waste collection availability.
How to report a missed City of London bin collection
Before you report: Confirm your bin was correctly presented at the kerbside or collection point by 7am on your scheduled City of London waste collection day. City of London Corporation will not return for bins not correctly presented. Check cityoflondon.gov.uk for any known service disruptions before reporting.
- Confirm your City of London bin collection day. Check at gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day using your EC postcode. Confirm a collection was scheduled and check for any bank holiday changes to City of London refuse collection dates.
- Check your bin was correctly presented. Bin or containers at the correct collection point by 7am with correct contents. City of London Corporation will not return for incorrectly presented bins or contaminated recycling.
- Report at cityoflondon.gov.uk. Go to cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/waste-and-recycling and submit your missed collection report promptly after the collection day.
- Leave your bin accessible. City of London Corporation will return for valid missed collection reports. Keep your bin at the collection point.
City of London bin collection: frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between City of London bin collection and London bin collection?
- City of London bin collection is managed by the City of London Corporation and covers only the Square Mile: EC1, EC2, EC3 and EC4 postcodes. London bin collection across the rest of Greater London is managed by 32 separate London borough councils such as Tower Hamlets, Islington, Southwark and Hackney. The City of London Corporation is a completely separate authority from all 32 London boroughs and from the Mayor of London. If your postcode is not EC1, EC2, EC3 or EC4, visit our London bin collection hub to find your borough.
- How do I find my City of London bin collection day?
- Use the national postcode checker at gov.uk/rubbish-collection-day. Enter your EC1, EC2, EC3 or EC4 postcode to find your City of London waste collection schedule. City of London bin collection days vary by street so always check your own postcode.
- How do I report a missed City of London bin collection?
- Report at cityoflondon.gov.uk. Your bin must have been correctly presented at the collection point by 7am. City of London Corporation arranges a return for valid missed collection reports.
- Does City of London bin collection change on bank holidays?
- Yes. City of London Corporation publishes revised waste collection dates at cityoflondon.gov.uk before bank holidays. Always check before any public holiday for your revised City of London refuse collection schedule.
- What postcodes does City of London bin collection cover?
- City of London bin collection covers EC1, EC2, EC3 and EC4 postcodes in the Square Mile including the Barbican, Golden Lane, Clerkenwell, Moorgate, Liverpool Street, Fenchurch Street, Fleet Street and St Paul's areas. If you are outside these postcodes your bin collection is managed by a London borough council. Visit our London bin collection page to find your borough.
- Who is rubbish collection in the City of London managed by?
- City of London rubbish collection, City of London refuse collection and City of London recycling collection are all managed by the City of London Corporation, which is a unique local authority governing the Square Mile. It is entirely separate from the 32 London boroughs, Transport for London and the Mayor of London. City of London waste collection for residents is managed through cityoflondon.gov.uk.
- Is there bulky waste collection in the City of London?
- Yes. Bulky waste collection London within the City of London is available through the City of London Corporation. Book a collection for large household items at cityoflondon.gov.uk. This service is separate from standard City of London bin collection and separate from any London borough bulky waste services.
- What is commercial waste collection in the City of London?
- Commercial waste collection in the City of London is a major operation given the density of financial and business activity in the Square Mile. Businesses must arrange commercial waste collection through a licensed contractor or through City of London Corporation commercial waste services at cityoflondon.gov.uk. Commercial waste collection is completely separate from residential City of London rubbish collection.