Changes to council services over Christmas and New Year

Rochdale Town Hall lit up at night.
Rochdale Town Hall at Christmas.

Published: 10 December 2024

Changes to opening times over the Christmas and New Year holidays mean most non-critical council services will not be available from 4pm on Tuesday, 24 December 2024 until Thursday 2, January. 2024

Plans are in place to make sure roads are gritted and kept clear should the wintry weather take a turn for the worse and emergency phone lines will be in operation throughout so people can get in touch if needed. To contact the council during the holidays the emergency number is 0300 303 8875.

Some waste and recycling collection dates remain unchanged, although bin collections scheduled for Wednesday, 25 December 2024 will be moved to Saturday, 28 December 2024. Collections scheduled for Thursday, 26 December 2024 will move to Monday, 30 December 2024 and those scheduled for Wednesday, 1 January 2025 move to Saturday, 4 January 2025.

‘You can access many services online’

Please ensure any additional paper and cardboard is dry, flattened, and secured next to your bin and that extra mixed recycling (glass, plastic bottles and cans) is in a clear container or bag, so the contents can clearly be seen. Wrapping paper that contains glitter or cannot be scrunched up cannot be recycled and should be put in the dark green bin. Large items such as cardboard boxes should be emptied of any polystyrene or plastics and folded down to make them as manageable as possible. Extra bags of general waste should not be left out and should be taken to your local recycling centre.

Real Christmas trees can be put inside brown bins but bases and decorations should be removed and they must be chopped so that they fit inside. Tree trunks must be thinner than a wrist and the bin lid needs to close. You can also take it to one of the recycling points located across the borough, or to one of the household waste and recycling centres.  Christmas tree recycling points are open from Monday, 6 January 2025–Friday, 17 January 2025. View Christmas tree recycling points

Alternatively, Springhill Hospice will collect your tree from your home for a minimum donation of £10 and turn it into wood chippings for the hospice grounds. Book a collection from Springhill Hospice

 Recycling centres at Chichester Street, Rochdale and Spring Vale, Middleton are open every day (8am to 6pm) apart from Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The council’s contact centre will open from 8.30am–4pm on Friday, 27 December 2024, and Monday, 30 December 2024. On other dates until 2 January 2025, only the emergency phone line will be staffed.

Adult social care services will continue to be provided, but if you need help on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day please phone the emergency number 0300 303 8875.

Children’s Social Care services will continue to operate throughout the Christmas and New Year break.

Rochdale Town Hall and The Martlet Kitchen will be closed from Monday, 23 December 2024 and will reopen on Saturday, 4 January 2025.

You can access many services online, get more support and information, advice and report things 24 hours a day on this website.

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