There is now more waste being recycled than thrown away thanks to changes to waste collection implemented last year.

In September 2020, Watford Borough Council introduced the new waste collection scheme – so that food waste is collected weekly in a larger outdoor bin, while general waste collections are fortnightly.

Blue-lidded bins – for mixed dry recyclables such as glass and tins – continue weekly, and fortnightly garden waste collections now costs £45 a year, or £40 if paid by direct debit.

Now the council reports that since the launch of the new service changes, recycling rates across the borough have improved to over 50 per cent and the amount of general waste being sent for disposal has decreased.

During the first four months of the new service, Veolia diverted more than 500 tonnes of food waste, and general waste tonnages fell by over 550 tonnes.

The 500 tonnes have been converted at a biofuel plant, providing enough energy to boil over 2.5 million kettles or 5.8 million hours of TV viewing time.

Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor said: “The new waste and recycling collection service started last September and I’m really pleased that in such a short amount of time, recycling rates have increased.

“My thanks goes out to Watford residents who have increased their levels of recycling, despite the difficulties that we are all facing during these uncertain times.

“The recent results are all the more impressive as the recycling has improved in terms of both tonnage and quality. We already have a very good track record for recycling, so to build upon this is excellent.

“It is really important that residents continue to have an excellent waste and recycling service and we make it easy for people to recycle as much waste as possible.”

Veolia Watford senior contract manager, Darren Harding said: “I would like to thank residents for embracing the changes to the recycling and waste collection service.

“Our hard working Veolia team worked through a challenging period last year to implement and deliver the new service. We’re delighted that the changes have delivered such a significant boost to recycling in the borough and that we are helping Watford residents to recycle more and waste less.”

Waste and recycling collections over Easter will change, and residents are reminded to check their collection calendar or visit: www.watford.gov.uk/mybinday