Solihull is preparing for significant changes to its waste collection system this autumn. The council has announced a “comprehensive communication campaign” to ensure residents are fully informed as weekly rubbish collections are replaced by fortnightly pickups, alongside the introduction of weekly food waste collections.
Last year, Solihull councillors approved plans to transition from weekly general waste collections—a service currently offered by only about seven percent of local authorities—to a system that separates food waste under mandatory government regulations. This new scheme will be funded by the government and includes issuing residents a free seven-litre kitchen caddy for food scraps and a 23-litre outdoor caddy for kerbside collection.
Flats will be provided with kitchen caddies and access to shared communal containers. Residents living in flats will initially continue receiving weekly rubbish collections, before eventually switching to fortnightly as well.
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The council’s cabinet portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, Councillor Ken Hawkins, described the upcoming changes as the most significant in his tenure. Councillor Kathryn Thomas emphasized the importance of clear communication to help residents understand how to properly separate food waste and adjust to losing weekly black bin collections.
Council officer Kalen Wood assured that the communication campaign will be extensive, featuring direct contact with residents, roadshows, social media outreach, and detailed information on the council’s website. Councillors will also receive ongoing updates to keep them informed of progress.
With approximately nine months remaining before the changes take effect, Councillor Hawkins stressed that communication will remain a top priority. The updated waste and recycling policy outlining these changes was officially approved during a virtual meeting on January 20.