From April 2026, we began making changes to improve your recycling and waste collections. The changes will make it easier to recycle more, while providing a more convenient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly service.
Background to the changes
New Government legislation means we have to provide residents with a wider range of recycling options at home from April 2026.
Over 4,000 people took part in our ‘BIG Waste Conversation’, which asked residents about their waste collection preferences. Most wanted us to reduce the environmental impact of waste collections and supported the introduction of wheelie bins and new recycling collections for glass, food waste and other small items.
View the BIG Waste Conversation survey results.
What are the changes?
Weekly food waste collections
Food waste collections were introduced in April 2026. Find out about food waste collections.
- Wheelie bins for most residents
From 12 October 2026, most residents (except those living in flats and hard-to-serve properties) will get two wheelie bins: one for general waste and the other for dry recycling, which will include glass for the first time. Find out about wheelie bin collections from 12 October 2026. - Alternate weekly collections
We will begin alternate weekly waste and recycling collections from 12 October 2026, once residents have their wheelie bins. - Improvements to communal recycling facilities
We will provide additional communal recycling facilities for people who live in flats so they can recycle food waste, textiles, small electrical items and other materials in future years.
These changes should improve recycling rates and free up resources to help pay for the new recycling services.
They will also bring our waste collection services more closely in line with those of nearby councils that may merge with us in future years, enabling any newly formed unitary council to maximise cost and service efficiencies.
View our frequently asked questions for further information.