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 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 Thursday, 25 December 2025 will be moved to Saturday, 27 December 2025. Collections scheduled for Friday, 26 December 2025 move to Monday, 29 December 2025 and those scheduled for Thursday, 1 January 2026 move to Saturday, 3 January 2026.
If wrapping paper has glitter or can’t be crumpled into a ball, it should go in your dark green bin because it cannot be recycled. Large items like cardboard boxes should be emptied and flattened before putting them in your blue paper bin or keep them until you’re able to take them to a nearby household waste recycling centre. The council cannot collect wet cardboard because it is not suitable for recycling. Any extra general waste should not be left out – please take it 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 2026 to Friday, 17 January 2026. More on Christmas tree recycling
Alternatively Springhill Hospice will collect your tree from your home for a minimum donation of £12 and turn it into wood chippings for the hospice grounds. Book a Christmas tree collection
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 opens 8.30am to 4pm from Monday, 29 December 2025 to Wednesday, 31 December 2025. On other dates until Friday, 2 January 2026, 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 also continue throughout the Christmas and New Year holiday.
Rochdale Town Hall and The Martlet Kitchen will be closed from 4pm on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 and will reopen at 5.30pm on Friday, 2 January 2026.
You can access many services online, get more support and information, advice and report things 24 hours a day on this website.
