New App to Simplify Bin Collections in West Berkshire

A new bin collection app could be coming to help West Berkshire residents know what gets collected and when, and cut kerbside bin clutter. The council already offers collection reminders on its website and a calendar, but members say an app would be more convenient and will keep the option under review.

Electric refuse vehicles have been trialled, but officers say range limits remain a challenge. The council uses hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) for food waste vehicles and says this has significantly reduced carbon emissions. The reported mileage cut of about 9,700 miles a year doesn't include extra mileage for food waste rounds.

The switch to three-weekly black bin collections began last September. The move is meant to boost recycling, cut waste and save money while helping the environment.

Portfolio holder Stuart Gourley (Lib Dem, Newbury Clay Hill) thanked residents for adapting and urged anyone who needs help to come forward. Requests for support, including larger bins, have risen; the council said extra costs from the rollout were higher at first but have since returned to normal.

Of 2,372 requests for extra bin capacity, about 1,600 were declined. West Berkshire's standard bin is larger than in many areas, so the council does not plan to increase the standard size.

The criteria for a larger bin are clear: households of more than five people, families with two children in nappies, or certain medical conditions.

Mr Gourley said only around three per cent of residents left excessive waste at the kerbside. He warned that cutting the number of recycling containers would lead to co-mingling and lower recycling quality.

Only three per cent of recycling is rejected in West Berkshire, he added, compared with about 30 per cent on average where recycling is co-mingled. Recycling containers will be reviewed in due course.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter