Rubbish and recycling collections

Published: 21 May 2025

Following the introduction of kerbside food waste collections in 2022, West Berkshire Council (WBC) achieved a recycling rate of 53% across the district in 2023-24. WBC is also among the top ranking local authorities in England for the highest household waste per person (437kg per person).

However, recent analysis showed that 42% of the contents of black bins could have been recycled through existing services, and a survey found that only 49% of households use the weekly food waste collection, so there is an opportunity to recycle more.

To encourage more people to recycle and reduce landfill waste, later this year, WBC will be changing the black bin collections from every fortnight to every three weeks.

In preparation for that change, the council will soon be distributing new stickers showing what can be recycled at the kerbside for residents to put on their black bins.

Improving recycling and reducing landfill waste will help:

· Cut WBC costs in landfill charges and treatment;

· Conserve resources by reusing and recycling more materials;

· Protect the environment; and

· Lower carbon emissions associated with waste disposal.

Further information about the planned changes and reasons for them, and about what can be recycled at the kerbside may be found on WBC’s web site.