Key Points
- Bin collections suspended across Birmingham on 30 January due to a large-scale “megapicket” at depots organised in support of striking refuse workers.
- Birmingham City Council advised residents to leave bins out for collection as soon as possible over the weekend.
- Strike ongoing since March 2025 over council plans to restructure waste services, which unions claim will result in pay cuts of thousands of pounds.
- Megapicket backed by over 30 organisations, including unions like ASLEF, FBU, NEU, and MPs from Labour, Green Party and others.
- Strike Map co-founder Henry Fowler vowed further action until workers win.
Birmingham (Birmingham Express) January 30, 2026 – Bin collections ground to a halt across the city today as thousands of trade unionists staged a city-wide “megapicket” in solidarity with striking refuse workers.
The action, dubbed “Megapicket 3-D”, prompted Birmingham City Council to suspend all collections, citing expected disruption at depots throughout Birmingham. Residents were urged to leave bins out for prompt catch-up over the weekend.
What Caused the Suspension of Bin Collections?
According to ITV News Central, the megapicket involved protesters from more than 30 organisations blockading depots, halting operations on Friday morning. The Express & Star reported trade unionists from across the country, including general secretaries, joined the demonstration in support of Unite members on all-out strike since last March.
As reported by Henry Fowler of Strike Map,
“Our megapickets are growing with every action we take. This strike has united three political parties, the labour movement and the people of Birmingham in condemning the cuts imposed by this Council and its Commissioners.”
Why Are Birmingham Bin Workers Striking?
The dispute centres on Birmingham City Council’s proposed reforms to the waste service, aimed at improving efficiency but opposed by Unite the Union over fears of significant pay reductions and elimination of roles like Waste Recycling and Collection Officer. Wikipedia’s entry on the 2025–2026 Birmingham bin strike notes the action began on 11 March 2025, leading to major incidents with 17,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish by that month.
How Has the Strike Impacted the City?
Lower-income areas such as Sparkhill, Balsall Heath and Ladywood have faced greater refuse build-ups compared to affluent suburbs, replicating patterns from the 2017 strike. The council has sought assistance from other authorities and military logistical support, while unions accuse it of blacklisting workers.
What Do Union Leaders Say About the Future?
Strike Map co-founder Henry Fowler declared:
“We will be back again, and again, and again, until these workers win. We stand with the Birmingham bin strikers.”
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Steve Wright added:
“The FBU will continue to support Birmingham’s refuse workers, and as a Labour Party affiliate we are calling on the Prime Minister to end this long-running dispute.”
The council maintains the reforms are essential, with collections set to resume over the weekend amid vows of ongoing protests.
