Council Services in Sunderland: Bins, Council Tax and More

Sunderland City Council runs local services across the whole city, from the coast at Seaburn to Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole. Most everyday tasks can now be done online through the council's website and its My Account service. This guide explains where to go for the services people ask about most, and who to contact for the things the council does not handle.

City Hall and My Account

The council's headquarters is City Hall, on Plater Way, Sunderland SR1 3AA, on the riverside site of the former Vaux brewery. Most services are designed to be used online first, and setting up a My Account on the council's website lets you manage council tax, bins and requests in one place and track what you have reported.

Best for: anyone who wants to deal with the council without a phone queue.

Bin collection days

Household rubbish and recycling are collected on a regular schedule, and your collection days depend on your address. The quickest way to check is the council's bin day finder at sunderland.gov.uk/bindays, where you enter your postcode. Collections can move around bank holidays, especially at Christmas and New Year, so check the finder in those weeks. Missed collections and requests for replacement bins can be reported online.

Best for: new residents and anyone who has lost track after a bank holiday.

Garden waste

Garden waste is collected through an annual subscription, which you sign up for through the council's My Account. Collections run fortnightly through the growing season, roughly March to November, and stop over the winter. The price and the sign-up window are set each year, so check the council's garden waste page for the current details before renewing.

Best for: households with lawns, hedges and borders to keep on top of.

Bulky waste and recycling centres

For furniture, white goods and other large items, the council runs a bulky waste collection service that you book and pay for online. If you would rather take things yourself, Sunderland residents can use the household waste recycling centre at Pallion and the Campground site on Springwell Road in Wrekenton, which is shared with Gateshead. Visits are by booked appointment, so book a slot online before you set off, and check which materials each site accepts.

Best for: clear-outs, house moves and DIY projects.

Council tax

Council tax is billed by Sunderland City Council and depends on your property's valuation band. You can view your bill, set up a Direct Debit, tell the council you have moved and apply for discounts such as the single person discount through My Account. If you are struggling to pay, contact the council early, as it can talk through payment options and support.

Best for: anyone moving home or living alone.

Parking permits and fines

The council runs residents' parking schemes in areas where demand is high, such as streets near the city centre and the university. If you live in a permit area, you apply and renew online. Penalty charge notices can also be paid or challenged on the council's website. For car parks and charges, see our guide on where to park in Sunderland.

Best for: residents near the city centre and stadium.

Planning and building control

Planning applications for the whole city can be searched on the council's online planning portal, where you can view plans and comment on applications near you. If you are planning work on your own home, check whether you need planning permission or building regulations approval before you start.

Best for: homeowners planning extensions and neighbours keeping an eye on changes.

Libraries

The city's main library is now in Culture House on Keel Square, which opened in September 2026. There are also community libraries across the city, including Washington library at Independence Square and Houghton library. You can join at any branch, and the council's library pages explain the online services available to members.

Best for: readers, students and families with young children.

Registering births, deaths and marriages

Sunderland Register Office is based at City Hall and works by appointment. Births can also be registered at the Hetton Centre. Book an appointment through the council's website before you go. If you have lost someone, our guide on what to do when someone dies in Sunderland explains the steps.

Best for: new parents and families dealing with a bereavement.

Family Hubs

Sunderland's Family Hubs, run with Together for Children, offer support for families with children and young people, from pregnancy and baby groups to parenting advice. Hubs include Rainbow in Washington, Bunny Hill in Hylton Castle, Thorney Close and the Coalfield hub in Hetton. The online "My Best Life" service is the place to start.

Best for: parents and carers looking for support or activities.

Reporting problems and other services

Potholes, broken street lights, fly-tipping, graffiti and dog fouling can all be reported to the council online. Some services are run by other organisations. Policing is the responsibility of Northumbria Police (call 101, or 999 in an emergency), fire safety is covered by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and Sunderland Royal Hospital on Kayll Road, run by South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, has a 24-hour A&E. For urgent health problems that are not emergencies, use NHS 111.

Best for: knowing who to call before something goes wrong.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find my bin day in Sunderland? Use the council's bin day finder at sunderland.gov.uk/bindays and enter your postcode. Collection days can change around bank holidays, so check it at Christmas and New Year.

Do I need to book the tip in Sunderland? Yes. Visits to the Pallion household waste recycling centre and the shared Campground site in Wrekenton are by booked appointment, so book a slot on the council's website first.

Where is Sunderland City Council's office? Sunderland City Council is based at City Hall, Plater Way, Sunderland SR1 3AA, on the riverside. Most services can be used online through the council's My Account.

Spotted a council service detail we should update? Get in touch.