Sevenoaks District Councillors are considering proposals to modernise and improve our recycling and waste collections.
Recycling is the most cost-effective way to deal with waste. But right now, we face unprecedented levels of waste and low recycling rates. So, we are working to increase the range of recycling options while making the service more cost and carbon efficient.
This follows from ‘The BIG Waste Conversation’, our most extensive survey of residents’ waste collection preferences. The surveys took place in late 2024 and into this year, and over 4,000 people took part.
Residents said we should reduce the environmental impact of our waste collection services and provide more recycling options. They supported the introduction of wheelie bins and new glass and food waste collections and the collection of other small items. View the BIG Waste Conversation results in full.
In light of the survey results, we are now considering:
- The introduction of weekly food waste collections and alternate weekly waste and recycling collections from 1 April 2026. This would improve recycling rates and free up resources for enhanced recycling options.
- Providing residents with free wheelie bins for their waste and recycling from the summer of 2026. New glass recycling collections would begin at this time.
- Introducing additional home recycling collections, such as textiles and small electrical items.
These proposed changes would harmonise our waste services with nearby councils that may merge with Sevenoaks District Council from April 2028 enabling any newly formed unitary council to maximise cost and service efficiencies.
The proposals to modernise and improve our recycling and waste collections will be considered by the Council’s Cleaner & Greener Advisory Committee on 5 June 2025 and Cabinet on 15 July 2025. A final decision will be taken at the Meeting of the Council on 22 July 2025.
For more information, see our Questions and Answers or the committee papers for the Waste and Recycling review.