Solihull Prepares for Historic Waste Collection Overhaul
Solihull is poised for its most significant waste management transformation in years, with the council confirming that weekly rubbish collections will be scrapped and replaced with a new fortnightly system alongside mandatory food waste separation. The sweeping changes, approved by councillors last year, are scheduled for implementation from October 2026, marking a departure from the borough's current status as one of only seven percent of UK authorities maintaining weekly waste services.
Government Mandate Drives Fundamental Change
The radical restructuring comes in response to mandatory government requirements that compel local authorities to introduce separate food waste collections. Councillor Ken Hawkins, portfolio holder for environment and infrastructure, described the forthcoming changes as "the biggest change" he has witnessed during his tenure as a councillor, underscoring the scale of transformation facing Solihull households.
Under the government-funded scheme, every household will receive a complimentary seven-litre kitchen caddy for food waste collection, accompanied by a larger 23-litre caddy for kerbside presentation. Residents living in flats will be provided with individual kitchen caddies while utilising shared communal containers for disposal, with these properties initially maintaining weekly rubbish collections before transitioning to the fortnightly schedule.
Comprehensive Communication Campaign Promised
Recognising the potential for confusion among residents, council officials have pledged an extensive communication strategy to ensure smooth implementation. Councillor Kathryn Thomas emphasised the necessity for clear messaging, stating: "I think you need to do a communications campaign just to make sure residents really understand the changes. Not only in terms of how to segregate the food waste but also they are losing that weekly black bin collection at the same time."
Kalen Wood, the authority's head of waste and recycling, provided reassurance that residents would receive thorough guidance through multiple channels. "We will have a comprehensive communication campaign," Wood confirmed. "That will be quite extensive, direct communication with residents, roadshows, social media and on the website. Members will also receive regular updates as well."
Policy Updates Approved Amid Nine-Month Preparation Window
The cabinet portfolio holder's decision session, conducted virtually on Tuesday, January 20, saw Councillor Hawkins approve necessary updates to the authority's waste and recycling policy to accommodate the forthcoming changes. With approximately nine months remaining until implementation, Hawkins stressed that communication would remain paramount, stating: "We still have got nine months to go so I'm sure we will be looking at this quite often. Communication to residents is absolutely key."
The transition represents a fundamental shift in Solihull's approach to waste management, moving from a system where all non-recyclable waste is collected weekly to one that prioritises food waste separation while extending the interval between general rubbish collections. This strategic realignment aims to enhance recycling rates while complying with national environmental targets, though it will require significant adaptation from the borough's residents who have grown accustomed to weekly disposal services.
