Proposed changes to waste collections – FAQs

Overview 

We're looking at whether we could change how frequently we collect bins containing non-recyclable waste. Currently, non-recyclable waste is collected every two weeks, as is recyclable waste and garden waste.
 
We're planning to continue garden waste collection every two weeks. However, we’re looking at whether we could move to three-weekly collections of non-recyclable waste, or three-weekly collections of both non-recyclable waste and recycling. 
 
As part of our budget consultation we’re asking people for feed back on these possible changes to collections:

  • Option 1 - your non-recyclable waste bin would be emptied every three weeks. All recycling would continue to be collected every two weeks. Garden waste subscription collections would continue every two weeks
  • Option 2 - both non-recyclable waste and other recycling would now be on a three-week schedule. Garden waste subscription collections would continue every two weeks

For more information, please take a look at the following FAQs...

Why are you looking at changing the frequency of black bin collections?

  1. To save money - moving to three-weekly collections could save the council at least £1m per year. 

  1. To increase recycling and reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste. This would help us to meet the government’s recycling target for household waste of 65% by 2035. Composition analysis from the residual waste from your rubbish bins going to the energy recovery facility in Shrewsbury shows that at least 30% (or 30,000 tonnes) of this can be recycled. 

  2. To cut emissions and reduce carbon - changing the waste collections from fortnightly to every three weeks for most households would cut emissions from our collection vehicles, with an estimated saving of 1,870 tCO2-eq, thus contributing towards our goals for net zero. 

Have any other councils already introduced three-weekly collections?

Yes, an increasing number of councils in England, Scotland and Wales – currently more than 20 - have three-weekly collections for general waste.  

When might changes to collection frequency happen? 

This is yet to be agreed. 

I have a large family - how would we manage?

If you're recycling as much as possible we believe a three-weekly collection would provide plenty of space for most households. As part of the consultation, we particularly want to hear about any concerns regarding the storing and dealing with waste, as we know a less frequent waste collection may not work for some households. We already provide a larger 360 litre bin for families of six or more permanent residents.

I already recycle everything possible, but my bin is full. How would you help me manage? 

Fortnightly recycling collections would continue, and additional recycling bins and bags are available free of charge to allow for maximum recycling. If you're recycling as much as possible most households would be able to manage. Online advice about how to recycle more and produce less waste is available on this website and at Recycle Now.

How would those with medical conditions which generate additional non-recyclable waste such as gloves, aprons, wipes and medical waste manage? 

We can support households which produce non-clinical waste as a result of a medical condition by providing a larger 360 litre bin where appropriate. 

How would you support those with disabilities?

We know a less frequent waste collection may not work for some households. All households containing people with disabilities can be assessed on an individual basis, and solutions for promoting waste reduction and recycling will be supported first. However, we can also support by providing a larger bin where appropriate, and assisted collection would still continue for those who are eligible. 

What would I do with disposable nappies if my collection changed to being three-weekly? 

As part of the consultation, we particularly want to hear about any concerns regarding the storing and dealing with waste as we know a less frequent waste collection may not work for some households. We promote reusable nappies and for some families this is a great way to reduce their waste. Following an assessment, we can also support households with young children in nappies by providing a larger bin where appropriate. 

I have pets and their waste fills up my bin. How would I manage with a collection every three weeks? 

As part of the consultation, we want to hear about any concerns regarding the storing and dealing with waste. Pet bedding from vegetarians such as rabbits can be mixed in with garden waste and composted.  

As 30% of the average rubbish in bins in Shropshire is made up of items which could have been recycled, by recycling everything possible there should be space in the black bin for pet waste which is non-recyclable. 

Will you provide larger bins if the collection frequency reduces? 

No, households would keep the bin they currently have to reduce waste. By reducing waste, we can save money and also help to protect our environment.  Some households with special circumstances can apply for a larger bin by completing a larger bin application and assessment. 

Would any changes to collection frequency impact the assisted collection service? 

No. There would be no changes to the assisted collection service - this would continue to operate as normal. 

Would there be an increase in fly tipping if you do this?

Some people have raised concerns about a potential increase in fly tipping. However, this has not been seen in other areas and we know that around half of households already have spare space in their black bins.

Items most commonly fly-tipped are bulky items or trade waste, neither of which are collected as part of our kerbside collection service, and we already offer a bulky goods collection service. We're confident that with information to encourage recycling, and support in place for larger households and others who need it, residents would continue to dispose of their waste responsibly. 

Wouldn’t a three-weekly collection encourage rats, flies and bad smells?

There's no evidence to suggest that residents would see an increase in vermin or other pests. We'd put support in place for households that need it, such as larger households, those with several children using nappies or people with other special waste needs. 

Would I see a reduction in my council tax if you reduce my service?

No, like all councils across the country, Shropshire has seen an increase in the need and cost for social care for adults and children, and must prioritise services for the people who need them most.

There's not enough space in our communal bins. How will you address this?

All our flats and communal collections would be reviewed if any changes were introduced. We know a less frequent waste collection may not work for some properties.  

Would this include flats which currently still have a weekly collection for waste?

All our flats and communal collections would be reviewed if any changes were introduced. We know a less frequent waste collection may not work for some properties.  

My bin mostly contains soft plastics - are we going to be able to recycle these?

We know that soft plastics such as film lids and crisp packets make up around 10% of the average black bin. There's a national target from the government to recycle soft plastics by 31 March 2027.