Waste bin collection intervals could change

A town's waste collection system could be rolled out across a county in a move that would see fewer general waste collections.

West Northamptonshire Council has proposed using the Daventry area's "1, 2, 3+" system to create a "single consistent system" within its jurisdiction.

If agreed by a meeting of the Reform UK-controlled council on 5 May, general waste bins in South Northamptonshire and Northampton would be collected every three weeks instead of every two from spring 2027.

Nigel Stansfield, the council's cabinet member for environment, recycling and waste, said the change could "harmonise how often general waste is collected across West Northamptonshire."

He said that a consultation had shown residents often did not have full general waste bins on their bi-weekly collection day, and could bring down costs for the council.

The "1, 2, 3+" system has been in place in the former Daventry District since 2018.

It sees food waste collections every week, fortnightly recycling collections and general waste every three weeks.

Those who subscribe to the council's garden waste service would see no change to the current fortnightly collection schedule.

Only households that use wheeled bins for general waste and recycling would be included.

Stansfield said: "This change will help us deliver an efficient and high-performing service that makes the most of the recycling opportunities already available."

It comes as the council is also set to consider a recommendation for waste collections and street cleansing services to be brought in-house from 2028.

The three former district and borough areas – Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire – currently have differing arrangements.

If agreed at its cabinet meeting on 5 May, the authority would deliver services by a team employed by the council rather than through a contract.

Stansfield thanked current contractors Veolia and Norse, adding: "Our aim is to build a single waste and recycling service for West Northamptonshire that can adapt, improve and meet the needs of our communities."

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