Views wanted on bin collections every three weeks

A public consultation has opened into moving bin collections in Wiltshire to once every three weeks.

From 2027 the council will collect food waste and soft plastics, but it also plans to move household waste collections from once every two weeks to once every three weeks.

Data shows about 35% of material currently placed in waste bins could be recycled, and food waste and plastic bags makes up about 45% of household waste.

Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for environment, climate and waste, said: "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 and what doesn't."

From 2027, every household in the county will have the following bins and bags:

• One full-size bin for plastic, metal and cartons
• One full-size bin for paper and card
• One box for glass
• One container for food waste
• One full-size bin for residual waste
• One plastic bag for soft plastics, which will be deposited inside one of the recycling bins

The council believes introducing separate collections for these materials will significantly reduce the amount of rubbish left in general waste bins, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The survey also asks about how often residents use household recycling centres and their views on introducing a booking system, which the council said would reduce queues and waiting times.

"We are aiming to increase recycling rates in Wiltshire from 40% to well over 60%," Sample said.

In October, the council trialled separate recycling bins for paper and card, but a roll-out was abandoned following public opposition.

Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.