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Waste collection changes will support Environment and Climate Strategy

From Monday 18 October 2021, our rubbish collections will change, making weekly collections more sustainable and environmentally friendly to support the council’s Environment and Climate Strategy.

By maintaining and securing the weekly bin collection for recycling and food waste for the future, the Royal Borough remains in just 20% of councils that continue to have a weekly bin collection. As you are increasingly recycling more and throwing away less, it is important to spend your money wisely and do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint.

From Monday 18 October, waste (black bins) will be collected fortnightly. In addition, the council will return to a five-day collection, Monday to Friday. These changes mean 71% of residents will see a change to their general waste collection day.

We have produced this special edition of Residents News to help prepare you for the changes in plenty of time.


Why are rubbish collections changing?
This change will help us meet the aims in our Environment and Climate Strategy, which includes a commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

We are placing greater emphasis on recycling household waste, which in turn will reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the borough.

Around 50% of household waste in the borough is currently recycled, but we want you to help increase this to at least 65%.


Do I have to do anything different before 18 October?
Between 27 September and 8 October, you will receive a leaflet stating when your regular collection will be – which day of the week, and whether your rubbish collection is week 1 or week 2. Keep this safe, then just put your black bin out on the correct day.

If you do not receive your leaflet by 8 October, please contact us. You will also be able to check your collection day on our website.

You could start looking to reduce your waste straight away, by recycling as much as you can and only buying what you need and will use. We have ideas on our website to help you reduce rubbish.


Will everyone be getting fortnightly rubbish collections?
So that we can improve recycling rates and reduce rubbish from the borough, as many people as possible will move to fortnightly collections.

However, a minority of properties will maintain weekly black bin collections for logistical reasons; communal collections will remain weekly as will those for roads where 50% or more of properties have a collection from sacks.

Every household will receive a leaflet stating when the regular collection will be.


Can we have a bigger bin?
If you have a larger household (six people or more) you can request a larger black bin via our website.

Any household can request additional recycling bins or food caddies if needed.
We aim to deliver new bins in 10 working days, but this may take slightly longer at times of high demand.

For more information, read our press release.
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