Changes to waste collections across Basingstoke and Deane will start next week as the borough takes steps to recycle more and reduce the amount of rubbish thrown away.

From Monday 12 October, residents’ rubbish bins will be emptied fortnightly, on the opposite week to their recycling bin. Food waste caddies will continue to be emptied every week and glass collections will remain fortnightly.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is introducing the changes to help meet mandatory government waste reduction targets aimed at improving our environment.

These targets mean recycling rates in Basingstoke and Deane need to more than double from 30% to 65% by 2035, while the amount of rubbish thrown away each year must be cut by half by 2042.

More than 40% of what is currently found in the borough’s rubbish bins could be recycled using the council’s collection services. Residents are being encouraged to make full use of their recycling, food waste and glass collections to free up space in their rubbish bins.

Many collection days are changing to ensure the most efficient routes, so residents are being encouraged to check their collection dates carefully ahead of the new schedule starting to make sure they put the correct bins out each week.

Printed leaflets containing cut-out-and-keep calendars have been delivered to households over the past month, with each calendar tailored to the individual property. They show collection dates for all waste and recycling containers over the coming months, including temporary changes over the festive period.

Residents who haven't received their leaflet can also check their collection dates at any time using the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/bincollections

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “With changes to waste collections starting next week, it is really important residents check their new collection schedule on their printed calendars or online and make sure the right bins are put out before 6am on their bin day. 

“We know this is a welcome change for those people who are already recycling all that they can to reduce what they throw away. We also know some people are concerned about how they will manage their waste when the changes start from next week. Most other councils collect waste every fortnight, there are only 16 councils left in the country collecting weekly. We encourage residents to make full use of our recycling, food waste and glass collection services to free up space in their rubbish bins and reduce what they throw away. We are working hard to support them through these changes.”

Residents can find out more about the changes, how to recycle more from home, recycling and disposing of other household items, or requesting an extra or new bin on the council’s webpages at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/bins