Weekly bin collections could become fortnightly

It is claimed reducing general waste collections will not lead to an increase in vermin

Domestic refuse collections could be reduced from weekly to fortnightly in part of Sussex.

Crawley Borough Council must have food waste collections in place by 31 March, 2026.

The authority is proposing to cut general rubbish collections as it introduces the food waste collections, the Local Democracy Report Service said.

Crawley and Arun are the only local councils in West Sussex which still have a weekly general waste collection – and Arun is already working to move away from that.

Food makes up 44% of the waste thrown away by Crawley residents, while general rubbish accounts for 32%.

Crawley's waste and scrutiny panel heard that the council could "comfortably" move to fortnightly general rubbish collections.

A report to the meeting said: “As with all changes to major services, some residents will have concerns and may feel anxious about the possibility of alternate weekly residual waste collections.

“The council anticipates working with other districts and boroughs in West Sussex and with the county council to co-ordinate information and publicity to help to allay concerns residents may have.”

Partnership services manager Paul Baker said collecting food waste from the borough’s 10,970 flats would be "the biggest challenge".

An audit has already begun to work out what facilities are available at the various blocks for the storage of bins.

Mr Baker said the current idea was for a two-stage roll-out of the food waste collections, starting with houses and then moving to flats.

No decision have yet been made.