Swindon waste collection days change to improve recycling rate

Currently less than 40% of household waste is recycled in the town

Waste collection days are changing in Swindon as part of plans to improve the recycling rate in the town.

Food waste collections are to be rolled out to the majority of households from 27 November and residents will have to separate their recycling into different boxes.

Currently less than 40% of household waste is recycled in the town.

Letters will be sent to households on Friday to advise of the new collection day, Swindon Borough Council said.

The council's waste crews have been delivering new containers, which residents will need when the changes are implemented, to approximately 85,000 households.

Food waste will be collected weekly, while general waste and other recycling will be collected fortnightly.

Council cabinet member environment and transport, Chris Watts, said: "These changes are incredibly important for Swindon as it will help us to recycle as much as possible.

"This is not only better for the environment but also helps to generate more of an income for the council which can then be invested back into Swindon's waste services."

Swindon Borough Council is looking to improve its recycling rate

From 27 November residents will need to put their waste and recycling out as follows:

• General waste in wheelie bin or blue bags

• Paper and card recycling in one of the existing black/orange recycling boxes

• Glass recycling in one of the existing black/orange recycling boxes

• Plastic and metal recycling in new weighted bag

• Food waste in large outdoor food waste bin

Residents are urged not to use the new containers just yet, but to keep hold of them until the new collection date, the council said.

Properties with a communal bin store, such as some flats, will not be affected by the changes at this time.

The council's garden waste collection service will continue in the same way.

All affected households should have now received their new containers, but if they believe they have been missed, they can report a missed delivery.

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