Watford will be moving from weekly to fortnightly bin collections in October, but residents may not be aware they can upgrade to a bigger bin.
The end of weekly recycling collections for most homes in the town was confirmed at the end of July, after an attempt to block the decision was unsuccessful.
There are some technicalities to the changes which may have flown under the radar, so this article rounds up everything you need to know.
- Watford council ends weekly recycling bin collections
- Labour in bid to block axing of weekly recycling collections
- Watford recycling bin collections to move fortnightly
When will the change come into effect?
Watford Borough Council will be moving from weekly to fortnightly blue-lidded recycling bin collections from October 21.
Which households are affected?
Only low rise properties are affected by the change, which means houses and individual flats in blocks of up to five.
Larger blocks of flats with six or more properties and those with access to communal recycling facilities are excluded and will continue to receive a weekly collection.
What should I do if the recycling does not fit?
Obviously, more recycling is going to build up over two weeks than currently does over just one.
Watford Council has recommended residents crush and flatten plastic bottles and cans, remove excess packaging, and break down large cardboard boxes to maximise space.
Many people may already do this and still need more space and so a new bin policy has been introduced which means households with four or more permanent residents will be entitled to request an additional 240-litre recycling bin.
Those with a 140-litre recycling bin can swap it for a 240-litre recycling bin.
Residents will also be able to put additional side recycling out, if clearly marked or in a clear sack, next to their recycling bin on collection day and extenuating circumstances will apparently be considered at the council’s discretion.
How can I apply for a larger/extra bin?
To ask for an upgrade visit www.watford.gov.uk/blue-lidded-bin.
Changes should be applied for before September 8, 2024, in order to receive the bin before weekly recycling collections end.
What about other bins?
All other waste collections will remain the same.
Why is this being done?
A report suggested that ending weekly collections could deliver an annual saving of around £110,000 as well as carbon savings.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Over the last 10 years, government funding for the council has been cut by 50 per cent.
“There is now a £6.2 billion funding gap across local government. To protect the services you value most, we are working hard to make sure every penny counts.”
The mayor added that fortnightly recycling is “tried and tested” with seven of the top 10 councils for recycling performance collected once every two weeks. Across England, 78 per cent of councils who collect all recycling in one bin do so fortnightly.
“Watford residents are fantastic at recycling and I am proud that we are in the top 20 per cent in the country for our recycling rates," he added.
“The proposals include giving residents the option to have a bigger or an extra recycling bin to ensure we can continue to build on this success.”
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