Places of Worship

Places of worship waste and recycling services

Places of worship are exempted from local non-domestic rating under the Local Government Finance Act 1988, this covers most churches, mosques and synagogues.

In the City of London, places of worship are collected as part of the household waste and recycling services.

If your place of worship has a bin service, visit Private flats with bin store for information on the services provided.

If your place of worship places CoL bags on the street for collection, visit Private flats without bin store for further information on the services we provide to your property.

As of 31 March 2025, Simpler Recycling legislation means it is now a legal requirement for places of worship to recycle food waste in addition to your regular recycling services. If you would like to discuss the food waste service your place of worship receives, please contact the Recycling Team.

If your place of worship has a coffee stall selling drinks to the public on its grounds, run events which aren’t related to religious worship, hires out space such as offices/rooms to charities, businesses or other groups not connected with the conduct of religious worship these would be commercial activities. Any waste arising from these uses are classified as commercial waste for which a commercial waste provider must be sought. The following page provides further information on commercial waste in the City of London. Please note that the City of London does not provide a commercial waste service.

For activities producing commercial waste, WRAP’s Business of Recycling Guidance can help provide information on how to comply with legislative requirements.