A new digital tracking system launched by Brighton & Hove City Council means people can now track their bin collection times in real time. The city is believed to be the first in the UK to offer live bin collection updates, making it easier than ever to know when your rubbish and recycling will be collected.
What Is the New Bin Collection Tracker?
The council has introduced advanced in-cab technology across its refuse and recycling fleet, replacing the old paper-based system. This can be accessed via MyAccount on the council website so people can track waste and recycling collections live, check when bins have been emptied, get updates if a collection is missed and view rescheduled times.
How to Check Your Bin Collection in Brighton & Hove
You can track your bin collection in just a few steps:
- Visit the Brighton & Hove City Council website
- Log into your MyAccount
- View the live status of your refuse, recycling or food waste collection
You’ll be able to see whether the crew is on their way, when your bin is emptied, and whether any issues have been flagged.
How Missed Bin Collections Are Handled
The new tracking technology will automatically mark a collection as missed if the crew cannot complete it. If another crew is available, the system will automatically reassign the job.
You only need to report a missed collection if the online system says it was completed but your bin hasn’t been emptied. This significantly reduces the need for people to contact the council.
Why Brighton’s Bin Tracking System Matters
This upgrade is part of a major modernisation of Brighton & Hove’s environmental services, which have historically faced challenges with delays and missed collections. The new technology aims to make the service:
- More reliable
- More transparent
- Easier for residents to follow
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Net Zero and Environmental Services, said the innovation will help the council manage the service “much more efficiently”, while keeping residents informed at every stage.
He also credited collection crews for helping test and refine the system, praising their “real-world feedback” and commitment to delivering a better service.
More Improvements Coming in 2025
The council plans to publish weekly performance reports from early next year so residents can easily see how the service is performing.
They are also exploring new, streamlined ways for people to report full communal street bins, with the goal of feeding reports directly to collection teams.
