Household waste and recycling improvements

Household waste and recycling collections are to be improved across the Borough to better meet residents' needs, help the environment and to save money in the long term.

The Council's Cabinet have approved recommendations from an extensive scrutiny review carried out by the Place Select Committee into the Borough's current waste and recycling service.

The recommendations include:

collect recycling every week
introduce a new weekly food waste collection
collect the other, residual waste fortnightly
review green waste collections in line with updated government guidance

Across the Borough refuse from domestic bins is currently collected weekly and recycling fortnightly, with a fortnightly garden waste collection during the summer.

Why we are doing this

The Borough's current recycling rate is the lowest in the Tees Valley at 24.3 per cent in 2020 to 2021, ranking Stockton-on-Tees 328 out of 338 authorities nationally. This compares to the Tees Valley average of 30.58 per cent and a national average of 42 per cent.

The new waste management strategy will focus on improving recycling rates and will set out how the Council can work together with residents and businesses to collectively reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible.

When this is happening

We are aiming to start the new arrangements from April 2026 to align with new national legislation, which will bring in weekly food waste collections. This will also align with the start of our new waste disposal contract.

What we will do next

We recognise these changes will bring a new routine for many people which is why we'll be working with you to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

We'll also be looking to engage with and consult with you about recycling equipment - bags, boxes and food caddies - to find out about your needs and preferences.

What you can do

You don't need to wait for the new arrangements to make a difference. We are grateful to all our residents for continuing to recycle, but if you can do more, please do and help us to recycle as much as possible. Find out what you can recycle.

To find out more, read the Scrutiny Review of Domestic Waste Collections, Kerbside Recycling and Green Waste.