Kerbside collection consultation results in status quo recommendation

On Tuesday 27 November, Stratford District Council’s (SDC) Policy and Services Committee discussed four options for proposed changes to the rubbish and recycling collection service in Stratford. Options were based around the introduction of a food waste collection service by 2027 and how best to balance this against cost and bin collection frequency.

In a 7 - 4 vote, the Committee has recommended that Council continue the status quo of weekly general waste collection, fortnightly recycling collection, and to not introduce food waste collection until the government’s mandate comes into effect in 2027. This recommendation now goes to the full meeting of Council to be considered on 12 December.

The Committee’s recommendation follows SDC’s community consultation on the district’s draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) and proposed changes to kerbside waste collection earlier this year.

There were 78 submissions received as part of the consultation. Most respondents were interested in the early introduction of food waste collection, but not at the expense of their weekly general rubbish collection. Elected members in favour of the status quo highlighted the feedback received as being an important factor in their decision.

Council recently adopted the district’s new Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023, which became operational on 1 December 2023.

The new plan provides a foundation to empower the community to eliminate waste, reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, and to promote a circular economy where materials are used and re-used for as long as possible.