From September 2025, residents in Antrim, Randalstown, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Toome and surrounding areas will see some exciting changes to how their bins are collected – all part of a plan to make waste services more efficient, greener and easier for everyone.
As part of a new waste harmonisation programme, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is introducing a weekly wheelie box collection, a modern and more effective way to sort and collect recyclables. This new recycling container will replace the current blue mixed recycling bin, allowing residents to recycle even more, including glass bottles and jars, textiles, paper and cardboard, food and drink cans, plastic pots, tubs and trays.
The wheelie box will offer greater capacity and more frequent collections, weekly rather than fortnightly, making it easier for residents to recycle more materials from home. Alongside this change, a new, streamlined black bin will be introduced for residual waste.
Michael Laverty, Director of Sustainability at the Council said:
“The new recycling service will allow households to recycle their glass and textiles along with their other recyclables in their new wheelie boxes, which have been operating very successfully throughout the rest of the Borough for more than a decade.
“Harmonising collections across these remaining areas will create a more efficient service, save money on waste disposal costs, and help the Council to meet its recycling targets of 70% by 2035. This is another step in our ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, greener Borough that protects and preserves our environment for future generations."
Residents will receive full information by post closer to the rollout, including details about the new bins and how to use them. The Council will also be running a series of information sessions in August, and residents are invited to come along and hear more about the new service before it begins in September.
For further information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/wheeliebox or contact recycling@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
Why this is good news for residents (and the planet):
- More recycling, less waste – easy, weekly collections mean residents can recycle more from home.
- Supports local jobs – over 75% of what you recycle in the wheelie box can be processed right here in Northern Ireland.
- Cleaner recycling – separating materials at home helps reduce contamination and improves recycling quality.
- Better for the environment – less waste going to landfill means lower emissions, cleaner air, and a healthier Borough for everyone.
Drop-in Information Sessions
Drop-in to one of our information sessions, between the times indicated below, to find out more information and ask our staff any questions you may have.
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Date
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Time
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Location
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Mon 4 Aug
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11am-1pm, 4-6pm
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The Junction, Antrim
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Wed 6 Aug
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11am–1pm, 3-5pm
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Castle Mall, Antrim
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Thurs 7 Aug
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11am-1pm, 5-7pm
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Muckamore Community Centre, Antrim
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Fri 8 Aug
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11am-1pm, 5-7pm
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Crumlin Leisure Centre, Crumlin
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Tues 12 August
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11am-1pm, 5-7pm
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Lock Keeper's Cottage, Toome
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Wed 13 Aug
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11am-1pm, 5-7pm
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Neilsbrook Community Centre, Randalstown
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Thurs 14 Aug
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10am-12noon, 2-4pm
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Clotworthy House, Antrim
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Friday 15 Aug
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11am-1pm, 5-7pm
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Eurospar Twelve Milestone, Templepatrick
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Tues 19 Aug
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11am-2pm
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Antrim Forum Leisure Centre (Ready, Set School Event)
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