CHANGES to rubbish and recycling collections introduced a year ago in Alcester and Studley and across Stratford district have been hailed a success.
Figures from the local authority show a reduction in the amount of rubbish being disposed of and residents recycling more than two-thirds of all household waste collected.
In the first year of operation, some 68 per cent of the district’s rubbish had been recycled while 26 per cent less residual waste was collected.
During the period August 2022 to July 2023, 16,226 tonnes of residual waste was collected, an incredible 5,635 tonnes less than the same period the previous year.
The introduction of a separate weekly food waste collection service has seen 4,888 tonnes collected between August 2022 and July 2023.
The new 123+ waste collection service was introduced on August 1, 2022 to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount of general waste.
In Stratford-on-Avon District, the new waste contract introduced a separate weekly food waste collection service, ahead of pending legislation, using food caddies and a three-weekly refuse collection, whilst maintaining a fortnightly dry recycling collection service and a fortnightly chargeable garden waste collection service.
One year on, the figures show that the three-weekly refuse collection arrangements have reduced the amount of general rubbish each household puts out and has encouraged residents to recycle more.
Councillor Lorraine Grocott, portfolio holder for environmental and neighbourhood services said: “It has been encouraging to see how much of a positive difference residents’ efforts and the hard work of council staff have made during the course of the last year.
“The results speak for themselves – showing a substantial decrease in the amount of material now going to landfill.
“There is still more we can do to reduce our ecological impact and live more sustainably, but this has been an excellent start. We’ve also been approached by other Councils, as we’re seen as a market leader in this field.”
