Changes to Wiltshire Council recycling could be on the way
We might need an extra sack for paper, in addition to the blue bin and glass box
Last updated 17th Nov 2024
Changes could be on their way for recycling in Wiltshire, as the Council brings in a new contract from 2027.
The authority's waste department has been looking into ways to allow residents to recycle as much of their rubbish as possible.
They're suggesting that from April 2027 we would use our existing blue lidded bin for mixed plastics, cans, cartons and for the first time flexible plastics.
But we would then have either a second wheelie bin, or a reusable sack for paper and cardboard, as well as the current black box for glass items.
The Council's also looking to add food waste recycling at the same time.
Cabinet is due to make a decision on this at their meeting on Tuesday (19th November).
The authority also say that if the recommended option is agreed, once the changes are introduced in 2027, it should result in a reduction in annual revenue expenditure - compared with adding separate weekly collections of food waste and including flexible plastics to the current service.
There'd also be increased income from commodity sales, an improved recycling rate, simplification of the recycling sorting process and a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
Cllr Dominic Muns, Cabinet Member for Waste, said:
“Any potential change that affects all households in the county cannot be done lightly and that’s why we’ve carried out an extensive level of due diligence to ensure the options we’re considering are the right ones.
“Our focus is to ensure that we give residents the very best opportunities to recycle as much as possible from the kerbside, that we meet all our obligations as set out in the Environment Act and that these services are financially sustainable.
“Once a Cabinet decision has been made on our preferred approach, this will allow us to start engaging with prospective service providers to explore contract arrangements. Together with all other local authorities, we are awaiting further clarification on certain aspects of the Environment Act and when that comes through that too may impact our plans.
“It’s important to note that making this decision will just be the first step, and that residents will not see any changes to their collections for a few years. We’ll keep people updated as this process continues.”
In the last financial year (2023/24), the council recycled, reused or composted 43.7% of Wiltshire’s household waste, that is nearly a 4% increase from the previous financial year (40%).
They've also been encouraging people to ensure they are recycling as much as possible and putting the correct items in the right bins.
When the campaign began, over 5,000 bins were rejected for collection during March 2023, compared to just over 1,000 bins being rejected in March 2024.