Changes to your waste and recycling collections

From April 2026, all councils in England - including Arun - will be legally required under the Environment Act 2021 to provide weekly food waste collections. This is part of the government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, which aim to create a more consistent approach to waste and recycling across the country.

At the same time as the weekly food waste collection service is introduced, Arun will move to a fortnightly general waste collection using a new 180-litre wheeled bin for the vast majority of properties.

This change is designed to encourage greater use of both the new food waste service and the existing fortnightly dry mixed recycling collections.

The kerbside combined dry mixed recycling service will remain as a fortnightly collection, as will the current subscriber based garden waste collection service.

These changes were approved by Arun District Council’s Environment Committee in March 2024.

Why the change?

Analysis shows that around 40% of black bag general waste in Arun and West Sussex is food waste, and 13% is recyclable material. Separating food waste, collected from across the whole of West Sussex, (including Arun) allows it to be recycled via anaerobic digestion into biofertiliser and energy. The biofertiliser will be used as fertiliser for farmers fields and the energy will power the plant, with any excess exported to the national grid to be used in homes.

Residents will receive

• a black 180-litre wheeled general waste bin

• a 23-litre outdoor food waste bin

• a 5-litre indoor food waste caddy and a starter roll of 26 liners for the indoor food waste caddy

• some communal properties and flats may be provided with shared outdoor general waste and food waste bins where appropriate

The new general waste bins will also reduce loose black bags, helping to keep streets cleaner.

Under the new system, residents will receive 104 collections per year (52 food waste, 26 refuse, 26 recycling), compared to 78 currently.

When will collections change?

The new collection system of weekly food waste/fortnightly general waste is expected to begin shortly after Easter 2026. Once the start date and new collection rounds are confirmed, residents will be able to check their updated collection schedules in several ways:

• the Arun District Council app is the easiest way to stay informed. Sign up with your postcode to receive collection reminders and helpful guidance

• online postcode checker for new collection days (not currently available) – this will be available here once new rounds are finalised nearer to the introduction of new services
• call the customer contact centre – 01903 737500 if you don’t have access to online services

180 litreGeneral waste collections and general waste bin options

To standardise collections, the vast majority of households will receive a free 180-litre black wheeled general waste bin well ahead of the changes to collection services. Communal properties, purpose built flats and properties under specialist collection arrangements currently will be assessed separately. The rollout of new bins is planned to begin in January 2026 and will continue through to March. Residents can make use of the new bin instead of their old bin straight away.

What are my options if I already have a 180-litre wheeled or smaller wheeled general waste bin?

1. You can only opt out of receiving a new bin and continue to use your existing general waste bin if it is a 180-litre or smaller wheeled bin. You must contact us before your new bin is due to be delivered.

The opt out application process will be available from early December 2025.

2. Unless you opt out you will receive a new bin from us. Whilst we would prefer you to reuse your old bin for another purpose, we can collect and recycle your old one once we have delivered your new one and once your old one is empty and free from any rubbish. The unwanted bin collection application process will be available from early December 2025.

What if I need more refuse bin capacity?

We would encourage all residents to try and reduce their general waste as much as possible by sticking to the 180-litre bin.

However, provided you meet certain criteria and will make use of the available existing fortnightly recycling and new food waste collection services, then in special circumstances (for example households of five or more) you can apply for an extra bin where it is justifiably needed. The extra bin capacity application process will be available ahead of the introduction of food waste collections.

Residents will receive a postcard from early December, prior to their 180 litre bin delivery, with details of how to apply for any of the options above.

Food waste collections

Most households will receive:

• a 23-litre grey outdoor food waste bin with an orange lid

• communal properties may be provided with shared outdoor food waste bins where appropriate

All households will receive:

• a 5-litre grey indoor food waste caddy and a starter roll of 26 liners

Even if you compost at home, we encourage all residents to use the new service to help reduce general waste and ease the transition to fortnightly collections.

What can I put in my food waste bin?

Cooked and uncooked food waste can be recycled using the service, including:

• meat - including bones
• fish and shellfish
• dairy products such as cheese
• and yoghurt
• cooked and uncooked vegetables
• and fruit including peelings
• bread, cakes and pastries
• rice, pasta and beans
• plate scrapings
• tea bags and coffee grounds
• eggshells
• solid fats
• pet food
• mouldy and out-of-date food

Dry mixed recycling

The fortnightly recycling service will continue, though collection days may change. You can check your updated schedule using the app, postcode checker, or by contacting us.

To help manage your waste effectively, please remember, clean, dry and loose is key to good recycling.

Making full use of this service will also help reduce pressure on your refuse bin.

Support

Stay up to date with the latest tips and guidance on the new collection services via the council’s app and website.

From early December dedicated contact centre advisors will be available to help with any questions.

Starting in early 2026, a bookable in-person service will also be available to offer tailored advice, education, and support for residents who need help adapting to the new system.

Email: simpler-recycling@arun.gov.uk

Arun District Council Customer Contact Centre 01903 737500