North Somerset ponders three-weekly collections switch

The council’s executive will vote on whether to launch a public consultation on the proposals, which if given the go ahead are scheduled in for March/April 2025.

According to the council, which runs an in-house service, the move to three-weekly collections would be in line with the council’s Recycling and Waste strategy, which aims to reduce non-recycled waste and reach a recycling rate of at least 70% by 2030 (currently 59.5%).

“This would significantly reduce the annual carbon emissions and costs associated with collecting and treating waste in North Somerset,” the authority said.

Not only will that save council tax payers’ money, it will also help protect our environment

• Cllr Annemieke Waite, North Somerset council

Regions

North Somerset further reasoned that several other local councils in the south west have already “successfully made the switch to three-weekly non-recyclable rubbish collections”.

This includes Somerset, East Devon, and Mid-Devon. “All have seen an increase in recycling rates, a reduction in non-recyclable waste, and a financial saving,” the council added.

Cllr Annemieke Waite, North Somerset council’s executive member for climate, waste and sustainability, said: “This year, we will need to spend around £5 million to dispose of black bin rubbish. Almost half of this waste could instead be recycled and generate an income to help pay for vital local services.

“North Somerset residents already do a lot of hard work to recycle but it’s important we do more. Not only will that save council tax payers’ money, it will also help protect our environment. We’re also keen to introduce the collection of soft plastics, such as crisp packets and vegetable packaging, to help local people recycle more.

“We know there will be some households in North Somerset where a three-weekly black bin collection may not work. Our proposed public consultation will be an opportunity to understand the feasibility of these changes for people, particularly around any concerns about storing and dealing with waste.”

Simpler recycling

Last year, as part of its Simpler Recycling response, Defra outlined a proposal to “include in guidance an expectation” that residual waste is collected at least fortnightly, a move criticised by councils at the time (see letsrecycle.com story).

On this, North Somerset outlined that its response to Defra’s second Simpler Recycling consultation, the council argued that mandatory weekly food waste collections and a comprehensive weekly recycling service reduces the amount of waste produced and allows for less frequent residual waste collections.

“We are continuing to engage with Government and will provide an update to the executive as part of the next report on 3-weekly collections,” the authority added.