Fareham Borough Council’s Executive has approved plans to roll out the Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms across the Borough, with key changes set to begin from 30 March 2026.

As part of the new system:

• Fortnightly household waste collections will continue unchanged. However, some households may see a change in their collection day, and the Council will provide updates once schedules are finalised.

• Weekly food waste collections will be introduced for all residents. Each household will receive a kerbside caddy and a smaller kitchen caddy to help collect food waste at home.

• There will be no change to what can be placed in blue-lidded recycling bins until a new Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) opens at the end of 2027.

• More glass recycling bins will be made available at convenient locations across the Borough.

• The Council’s Clip and Collect garden waste subscription and Bulky Waste collection services will continue as usual.

These changes are part of the national drive under the Environment Act 2021 to simplify recycling and boost recycling rates by standardising what households can recycle across England.

Limitations on Glass Recycling

Although Simpler Recycling requires councils to collect a broader range of materials, Fareham is currently unable to introduce kerbside glass collection. This is due to Hampshire County Council’s existing waste infrastructure, which is not yet capable of processing glass, paper, card, plastics, and metals in line with new national standards. Introducing kerbside glass collections now would place a significant financial strain on the Council with only a modest environmental gain—estimated at just 1%.

In contrast, the new weekly food waste collections are expected to boost the Borough’s recycling rate from 37% to 55%.

Statement from the Council

Cllr Ian Bastable, Executive Member for Streetscene, said: “Executive Members have carefully considered how best to meet the new Simpler Recycling requirements. Introducing kerbside glass collections without the necessary infrastructure would be extremely costly and deliver little environmental benefit.

We are confident that the collection system we’ve agreed on is the most practical and cost-effective solution for Fareham. DEFRA understands our compliance is dependent on Hampshire’s new Materials Recycling Facility.

Fareham Borough Council remains fully committed to improving recycling rates and reducing the Borough’s environmental impact in a way that offers the best value for residents.

To find out more about the upcoming changes and how to prepare for food waste recycling, visit: www.fareham.gov.uk/foodwaste