Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has published a draft action plan setting out how it will meet the government’s new waste and recycling requirements.

National reforms mean recycling rates in the borough must rise from 30% to 65% by 2035, and the amount of rubbish thrown away must be reduced by half by 2042. To achieve this, the council has outlined 30 actions focused on reducing waste, reusing items and increasing recycling.

Recent steps already taken include the introduction of weekly food waste collections, which could remove up to a third of material currently placed in rubbish bins. The council is also encouraging residents to recycle more of what can already be accepted at home and at local recycling sites, and to reduce contamination in green bins.

While Hampshire County Council prepares to open a new sorting facility in 2028, temporary recycling banks for plastic pots, tubs, trays and cartons are being added at council‑owned sites. A new kerbside collection for small electrical items is also being considered for next spring.

Later this year, changes to bin collections will bring the borough in line with neighbouring areas. Food waste will continue to be collected weekly, with recycling and rubbish collected on alternating weeks.

Residents can read the draft strategy and find more information on recycling at: www.basingstoke.gov.uk and www.basingstoke.gov.uk/recycle