Changes to kerbside recycling collection

Published: 24 January 2025

From Monday 27 January, West Berkshire Council (WBC), working with Veolia, is expanding the kerbside collection of certain pots, tubs and trays.

In response to WBC’s public consultation on the Draft Waste Management Strategy, this extension to recycling collections is being introduced ahead of the government deadline of 31 March 2026.

The new collection will make it easier to send plastic waste to recycling and recovery. In addition to plastic bottles, cans and aerosols, residents will be able to add some types of clean plastic pots, tubs and trays to their recycling collections. Residents with communal bins will also be able to dispose of these items in the red-topped wheelie bin.

Accepted items:
Cream pots
Clear yoghurt pots
Spread/margarine tubs
Biscuit trays
Takeaway tubs and ready meal trays
Clear frut trays
Clean meat trays

Note: All plastic film lids or metal coverings must be removed.

Items not accepted:
Black plastic trays
Plastic film and wrapping such as bread bags and tray coverings
Crisp packets
Foil lids and trays
Flowerpots
Hot beverage pods (these need to be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre)
Tetra Paks/cartons (these can be taken to a mini recycling centre and a Household Waste Recycling Centre)
Blister packs/pill packets

WBC asks that all items are rinsed before putting them in recycling bags. Any film or cardboard sleeves should be placed in the paper/cardboard box.

If an additional recycling bag is required, it can be ordered from WBC’s web site.

Further information about what can/can’t be recycled may be found on the recycling pages of WBC’s web site.