More than 14,000 recycling bins have been delivered to households across the Lancaster district so far, replacing the former smaller boxes.
The 240 litre full size bins will replace 55 litre boxes across every property under Lancaster City Council between now and February 2026.
The improvements to household waste and recycling services are being introduced in three phases from now until April 2026.
The first phase to recycling boxes with wheelie bins aims to increase recycling capacity and reduce contamination rates.
The second phase involves establishing a weekly food waste recycling service to all residents as part of the government's new national waste strategy.
The council said this will "help to divert waste that ends up in landfill or incineration that could instead be converted into fertiliser or biofuel".
From February 9 to March 30, 2026, residents will receive everything they need to get started - a seven litre kitchen caddy for inside, a 23 litre caddy for outside with a locking mechanism, a pack of kitchen caddy liner bags and an information leaflet.
Food waste collections will begin the week after delivery of the caddies, and the waste will be taken to Lancashire County Council’s Farington Waste Recovery Park.
The third phase will begin from April 2026, when fortnightly collections of non-recyclable waste (grey bins); plastics, glass and cans; and paper and cardboard, will change to three-weekly collections.
The council said the move to a three-weekly household waste collection is in line with the government’s Simpler Recycling principles to help increase the amount of waste that is sent to recycling.
They said that evidence from other councils that have moved to three-weekly collections "show that it has significantly increased recycling rates".
A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: “We are making these changes to ensure every resident has enough space in their recycling containers for the switch to three-weekly collections from April 2026.
“We understand that not everyone has space on their property for 240 litre wheelie bins.
"Our friendly waste and engagement officers can assess whether you qualify for alternative containers.
“The quickest way to discuss your needs is to email wastechanges@lancaster.gov.uk. You can also call 01524 582491.”
If the change to a wheelie bin is a concern due to your mobility or medical condition, you can apply for an assisted collection by completing a form on their website.
King and Queen present Lancaster University with UK's highest education honour
Lancaster school joins in day of action amid safety fears over road
Upstairs galleries at Lancaster City Museum closed for renovations
Lancaster church begins 150th anniversary year of celebrations
Morecambe hiker who walked length of Britain in 36 days wins top award
Health bosses take extra measures to cope with pressures on services at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Tributes after death of friendly face at popular Morecambe coffee shop
Irish music star Dermot Kennedy to perform in Lancaster
Campaign launched to help much loved Morecambe prom café
Multi-vehicle crash on M6 near Lancaster
Two arrests after police stop and search on M6 near Lancaster
Long-serving Heysham councillor and former mayor has died
Tributes after death of Labour stalwart awarded MBE for services to politics
Three boys raise thousands for Heysham school from inspiring triathlon challenge
Crews tackle property fire in Skerton
Morecambe FC’s Head of Commercial returns to club
PHOTOS: Traffic light flattened after crash near busy Lancaster city centre junction
PHOTOS: New Tesco Express supermarket set to open in Lancaster
Crews tackle Lancaster caravan fire
High street chain Savers opens in Lancaster shopping centre
