Three-weekly waste collection plans proceed after further scrutiny from councillors

It means the Council will now continue with its plans to engage residents on the changes over the next 12 months and seek their views on their concerns and potential issues they believe they may experience as a result of the changes.

There are no plans to change the  collections for residents in flats and other households with communal bins and terraced properties who use sacks for their general waste and recycling will continue to be collected as they are now.

Support will be available for larger households, families with babies, and residents with medical needs in line with current policies. Larger black bins can be provided where households are eligible, and recycling capacity can be increased.

Three-weekly residual waste collections are already in place in the Daventry area where many of the potential issues have already been resolved.

The Council already has a detailed list of lessons learned from the Daventry roll out, which has been added to following recent feedback, all of which will shape how the service is introduced across the rest of West Northamptonshire.

Councillor Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste, said: “We recognise that a number of residents and members are concerned about three-weekly collections and the Overview and Scrutiny meeting provided a further opportunity to discuss the proposals in detail and allay some of those concerns.

“Ensuring we listen to residents about those issues and communicating and engaging effectively on the changes is an absolute priority for us.

“During the coming months, before we implement the changes, we want to hear from anyone who has concerns because they may raise something we aren’t aware of following our experience in Daventry and we can consider solutions.

“We already have eight years of experience from Daventry to draw on, and we know that if everyone looks to recycle everything they can, it will work.

“In addition, from 2027 we will be accepting additional items in the mixed recycling bin, which should help reduce waste even more.”

Extra recycling can also be left out on collection day in clear or white sacks, something many residents have said they were not aware of.

Clinical waste collections and assisted collections for those who cannot manage a wheeled bin will continue for residents who need them.

No households will move to three weekly collections until engagement has taken place and residents have been given clear information about dates, support available, and how to make the most of food waste and recycling services.

The Council will use its existing channels plus opportunities for engagement in communities as they arise to ensure everyone has the chance to find out more.

Further details are available on the three-weekly collections section of our website.