How do I find my Harlow bin day?

Check at harlow.gov.uk. Harlow bin collection dates vary by address across CM postcodes.

How do I report a missed Harlow bin?

Report via the Harlow self-service portal. Harlow council bin collection missed reports should be made within two working days.

Does Harlow offer garden waste collection?

Yes. Harlow garden waste collection requires a paid annual subscription for the brown bin.

Does Harlow bin collection change on bank holidays?

Yes. Harlow refuse collection dates shift after bank holidays. Check harlow.gov.uk.

What recycling does Harlow accept?

Harlow district council bin collection recycling covers paper, card, cans, plastic and glass in the blue bin.

Harlow bin collection: fortnightly waste and recycling across the Essex new town

Verified 3 September 2026

Harlow bin collection is managed by Harlow Council across the Essex new town north of London. Harlow council bin collection and harlow district council bin collection follow a fortnightly alternating schedule. Harlow refuse collection and bin collection harlow cover the neighbourhoods of the planned new town and surrounding areas. Harlow rubbish collection serves approximately 37,000 households. Harlow garden waste collection is a subscription service. Harlow bin collection covers the CM postcode areas between the M11 and M25.

Service overview

Provider	Harlow Council
Authority	District
Postcodes	CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20
Presentation deadline	6:30am on collection day
Cycle	Alternating fortnightly

Towns and villages served

Harlow town centre
CM20
The new town centre with its covered market. Harlow council bin collection serves the central residential areas.

Old Harlow
CM17
The original village settlement east of the new town. Bin collection harlow covers period properties and newer housing.

Potter Street and Latton Bush
CM17, CM18
Eastern neighbourhoods. Standard harlow district council bin collection schedules apply.

Church Langley
CM17
Modern housing development on the eastern edge. Harlow refuse collection serves these newer estates.

Staple Tye and Great Parndon
CM18, CM19
Western neighbourhoods. Harlow rubbish collection covers the original new town housing.

Pinnacles and Burnt Mill
CM18, CM20
Northern communities near the industrial areas. Established collection routes serve residential streets.

What goes in each bin

Grey bin: Non-recyclable household waste collected fortnightly.
Blue recycling bin: Paper, card, cans, plastic and glass collected fortnightly.
Food waste caddy: Weekly food waste collection across the district.
Brown garden waste bin: Harlow garden waste collection is a subscription service for fortnightly collections.

When is my bin day?

Collection days in Harlow vary by address. Look up your schedule using the Harlow Council online tool. Check before bank holidays as dates may shift forward or back by a day.

Find your collection day

Missed bin? Here is what to do

Before you report: Your bin must have been at the boundary of your property by 6:30am on collection day, with the lid fully closed and no side waste. Contaminated or overflowing bins will not be returned for.

Confirm the schedule. Check the council website to verify a collection was due, including bank holiday adjustments.
Review how you presented. Correct bin, closed lid, at kerbside by 6:30am on collection day.
File a report. Use the Harlow Council missed bin form.
Keep your bin accessible. Valid reports receive a return within working days.

Report missed Harlow bin

External link to Harlow Council. This site is independently run.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my Harlow bin day?: Check at harlow.gov.uk. Harlow bin collection dates vary by address across CM postcodes.
How do I report a missed Harlow bin?: Report via the Harlow self-service portal. Harlow council bin collection missed reports should be made within two working days.
Does Harlow offer garden waste collection?: Yes. Harlow garden waste collection requires a paid annual subscription for the brown bin.
Does Harlow bin collection change on bank holidays?: Yes. Harlow refuse collection dates shift after bank holidays. Check harlow.gov.uk.
What recycling does Harlow accept?: Harlow district council bin collection recycling covers paper, card, cans, plastic and glass in the blue bin.