When Do InPost Lockers Get Emptied

Learn when InPost lockers are emptied, how daily collections work and the best time to drop off parcels in the UK

InPost lockers are emptied by couriers on a regular basis, with collections taking place once per day at most active locations. Couriers are assigned routes and timetables that ensure each locker is visited on a working day, usually from Monday to Saturday. This means parcels dropped into a locker are generally collected the same day, provided they are submitted before the daily cut-off time.

What Time Are Lockers Emptied

The exact time a locker is emptied depends on the courier’s local schedule and routing. In busy urban areas, collections can happen as early as 8am or as late as 8pm, depending on delivery demand. In rural or lower-traffic areas, collections may happen mid-morning or mid-afternoon. While InPost does not publish fixed national collection times, most lockers are serviced once per working day as part of a regular courier loop.

What Is the Cut-Off Time for Same-Day Collection

To ensure same-day collection, it is generally recommended to drop off parcels before 12pm. Parcels deposited after midday are still accepted but may be collected the next working day, depending on the timing of the courier’s visit. This cut-off time helps streamline logistics and ensure parcels enter the transit network without delay. For time-sensitive deliveries, early drop-offs are always best.

Do InPost Lockers Get Emptied on Sundays

InPost couriers typically do not collect parcels on Sundays. Lockers remain accessible 24/7 for drop-offs and collections, but no courier movement takes place on that day. If you drop off a parcel on a Sunday, it will remain in the locker until the next working day, usually Monday, when the courier resumes their route.

Saturday Collections and Weekend Impact

Saturday collections are available at most locker locations. However, the timing may differ slightly from weekday routines, and in some quieter areas, couriers may only collect Monday to Friday. Parcels dropped off on Saturday mornings are usually collected the same day, while those dropped later in the day may not be picked up until Monday. Weekend drop-offs still allow parcels to enter the system early for processing the following week.

What Happens if a Locker Is Full

If a locker is at full capacity when a courier arrives, the courier may prioritise removing parcels for delivery and leave excess parcels in the locker until space becomes available. In high-demand periods, lockers may reach capacity more quickly, which can delay collection. In these cases, additional visits may be scheduled or parcels may be rerouted through a nearby unit. For users, checking locker availability through the InPost app before visiting can help avoid wasted journeys.

How Often Are Returns Collected

Returns are treated the same as standard drop-offs. Once placed in a locker, returned parcels are collected during the courier’s next visit. Tracking begins as soon as the parcel is scanned into the system at collection. Retailers and ecommerce platforms receive updates through integrated systems, ensuring returns are processed as efficiently as outbound deliveries.

Do Collection Times Vary by Location

Yes, collection times vary depending on region, courier staffing, locker usage and route planning. High-traffic urban lockers may be emptied earlier or more frequently, while rural or quieter lockers may be serviced later in the day. Over time, courier patterns become consistent in each area, allowing regular users to learn when their local locker is typically emptied.

Summary

InPost lockers are usually emptied once per working day, Monday to Saturday, with no courier collections on Sundays. Parcels dropped off before 12pm are more likely to be collected the same day, while later drop-offs may be picked up the next working day. Collection times vary by location and courier route, but regular, daily servicing ensures parcels continue to move quickly through the delivery network. By understanding when your local locker is emptied, you can better time your drop-offs and keep deliveries running smoothly.