Three weekly domestic waste collection considered in plans

Three weekly domestic waste collections in Blackpool are among the transformational changes being considered by the council's executive.

The government has introduced new legislation called Simpler Recycling.

They want to see all local authorities simplify the way that waste is collected.

Simpler Recycling will enable consistent, more streamlined collections from all households, businesses and relevant non-domestic premises (such as schools and hospitals).

 Once Simpler Recycling is implemented in April 2026, all local authorities will collect the same set of materials for recycling.

The council’s executive has been asked to consider recommendations which include:

• Three-weekly domestic waste collections
• Weekly food waste collections
• Brown bags replaced with brown bins
• Green waste subscription reduced by £15 to £30
• Communal bin hubs in inner wards
• Ten waste amnesties per year in inner wards
• Increased capacity of blue bins

Coun Jane Hugo, cabinet member for Climate Change, said: “We are proud to be at the heart of an exciting transformation in how we manage waste in our town.

"As a designated Waste Authority, Blackpool plays a key role in shaping how we collect, recycle, and dispose of household waste, not just for today, but for the generations to come.

 “We’ve looked at what the government has asked us to do, and we have been speaking to residents to find out how they would like to see their service improved. 

"This has led to a number of proposals which include reducing the price of the green waste service and increasing the capacity of the blue bin.  Our aim is to help people waste less and recycle more.

 “It is also proposed to change domestic waste to a three-weekly collection. I know this may initially be of a concern to some residents but evidence from elsewhere in the country has shown this can be implemented successfully.

 “Before any changes are implemented in April 2026 we will be communicating directly with residents, to provide all the information they need.

 “Together, with the support of the residents and businesses of Blackpool, we will be building a future where waste is no longer just a problem, but an opportunity for recovery, for recycling, and for real climate action.”

 Blackpool’s waste collection service managed and delivered by the Council’s wholly owned company ENVECO, serves 72,000 households. The current collection service was introduced over 20 years ago and for the majority of residents comprises of three wheeled bins and one hessian sack on alternate weekly collections. 

 Blackpool’s current recycling rate is 44 per cent, which is one of the highest in Lancashire, although over recent years has plateaued and will not reach government targets without transformational changes to services. 

A comprehensive communications and engagement plan is also proposed to ensure residents are fully informed of any changes before they are implemented.

 The recommendations will be considered at the Executive meeting on Monday 7 July.