BARNSLEY Council has announced collection crews will not return for blue bins until the next scheduled collection date.

The council has said residents with full blue bins can rip large boxes into smaller pieces to create more space, and to take busy cardboard to household waste recycling centres across the town.

They say any cardboard left at the side of bins will not be collected.

A spokesperson added: "Unlike a number of councils who pause bin collections over Christmas, we make efforts to keep collections going as far as possible.

"This year, the dates on which bank holidays fell over Christmas meant that three working days were lost where bins would ordinarily have been emptied.

"All waste collection staff were offered voluntary overtime, unfortunately this year we haven’t had enough staff volunteer, so we’ve focused on collecting grey and brown bins first to make sure food waste and food/drink packaging is dealt with.

"To help us get back on track quickly, we won’t be returning for blue bins from the collection dates 30 December 2025 to 9 January 2026.

"These will now be collected on your next blue bin day.

" Please take your blue bins in until your scheduled collection.

"Please don't leave out extra cardboard at the side of your bin – this won’t be collected.

"We’re keeping a close eye on the weather over the next few days, as any snowfall and ice will have an impact on delivering services.

"The Met Office has issued an amber and yellow warning for snow from teatime on Thursday 8 January.

"We know this is frustrating and we’re sorry for the disruption.

"Thank you for your understanding and patience.

"Please don't call our contact centre about the disruptions as they're unable to give any more information.