North Herts Council has reassured residents in Hitchin and across the district after some households experienced confusion over bin collection dates during the Christmas and New Year period.

The issue affected the North Herts Council app, where revised festive bin dates were not always displayed correctly once the original collection date had passed. Several residents reported uncertainty over which bin to put out, particularly during the disrupted holiday schedule.

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment, said: "We're aware that some residents experienced issues with bin collection dates on the North Herts app over the festive period. This was due to a technical problem with how revised dates were displayed after the original collection date had passed.

"The app is currently showing accurate information following a temporary fix, and we're working with our contractor on a permanent solution. In the meantime, residents can also check their collection dates on the council website, their Christmas hanger, or via their street's binfluencer. Thank you for your patience."

The council says the problem has now been temporarily resolved, with correct information currently showing on the app while a longer-term fix is developed.

What Hitchin residents can do now

To avoid further confusion, residents in Hitchin are being advised to double-check their collection dates using one of the following:

• The North Herts Council website
• The Christmas bin collection hanger delivered to households
• Updates shared locally by their street's "binfluencer" – the neighbour who always seems to know which bin is going out

Bin collections typically return to their normal schedule in January, but residents are encouraged to continue checking dates in case of any further changes.

Have you been caught out by festive bin changes in Hitchin this year? Let us know.