Have your say on the future of Wiltshire's waste and recycling services

Friday, 20 March 2026 13:37

Wiltshire Council is asking residents to share their experiences to help shape future waste and recycling services.

The survey opens today, Friday 20th March, and will run until Friday 17th April, gathering feedback on current household waste and recycling habits, use of Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), and residents’ views on service changes, including the move to three‑weekly general household waste collections, alongside new weekly food waste collections coming in 2027 and additional recycling options.

The insight gathered will help the council design services, engagement, and education, and support that is practical, environmentally responsible and aligned with forthcoming national Simpler Recycling requirements.

Over the coming years, changes to waste services will focus on:

Increasing recycling rates
Reducing waste sent to landfill
Cutting carbon emissions
Delivering services more efficiently

Data shows that around 35 percent of material currently placed in household waste bins could be recycled, and that food waste, plastic bags, and wrapping make up over 45 percent of residual waste. Introducing separate collections for these materials will significantly reduce the amount of rubbish left in general waste bins.

The survey also asks residents about their use of Household Recycling Centres, including how often they visit, what they recycle there, and their views on a phased introduction of a booking system designed to reduce queues, emissions, and waiting times.

Residents’ feedback will be used to:

Shape future waste and recycling services
Identify concerns and support needs during any service changes
Improve guidance and communications

Cllr Paul Sample JP, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, said: “We are aiming to increase recycling rates in Wiltshire from 40% to well over 60%. We know that changes to waste and recycling services will raise concerns. This survey is an important opportunity for residents to tell us what works for them, what doesn’t, and what support they will need. Their feedback will help us shape communications and improve our service delivery.”

The survey is open to all residents and takes around ten minutes to complete, and will remain open until 5 pm on Friday, 17th April 2026.

Residents can take part online at wiltshire.gov.uk/futurewaste