Changes from 4 Aug 2025 has led to a new frequency of bin collections.
Mixed recycling, cardboard and paper, and non-recyclable waste will be collected on a three-weekly cycle.
In this time period residents have complained, due to the extra time of collections and warmer weather, there has been infestations of flies, maggots, overflowing bins, bad smells all emanating from the bins.
The new three-weekly bin collection system is causing real problems in our community:
- Fly and maggot infestations due to rubbish sitting outside for weeks
- Recycling confusion—residents told one thing, bin collectors another
- Reports that recycling is still going to landfill
- Overflowing bins, bad smells, and increased risk of fly-tipping
- Extra costs and work for residents, especially the elderly and disabled
- Environmental impact from more collection vehicles despite promises to cut emissions
- Too many bins left outside, making our streets look cluttered and untidy
We support recycling, but this system is failing residents and our environment. We demand:
- Frequent collections (especially in summer)
- Clear recycling instructions and transparency on landfill use
- Properly maintained bins and assisted collections for those in need
A review of the entire system with community input
FAQs on the Change in Service
How did you come up with the proposal of three weekly collections?
Local councillors from all political parties from North Herts and East Herts Councils were involved in a series of workshops to help shape the proposals. We also used the results of a recent public consultation about residents’ recycling habits which found:
Nearly half (49%) of respondents’ bins for general waste are either half-full or quarter-full when it’s time to be collected – 18 people told us their bin was empty!
84% of respondents agreed the council should do more to make people recycle more and reduce waste and 74% of residents agreed the council should invest in or change services to reduce its carbon footprint.
76% of respondents said, ‘I care about the environment and climate change and do my bit’.
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