Residents across North and East Herts have slashed nearly 6,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste in just five months – in what councils are calling one of the sharpest reductions ever recorded locally.

The figures come after the biggest transformation to waste and recycling services in more than a decade, rolled out at the start of August 2025 in partnership with Veolia.

Between August and December 2025, non-recyclable waste fell by 5,883 tonnes compared with the same period last year – a dramatic drop that councils say shows residents are embracing the new system.

What changed?

The overhaul introduced:

• Three-weekly non-recyclable waste collections
• Weekly food waste collections
• Enhanced recycling options
• New wheelie bins for cardboard and paper
• Kerbside recycling for plastic bags and wrappings

Early data suggests strong participation in recycling and food waste collections, helping to reduce landfill and incineration while cutting carbon emissions from waste vehicles thanks to redesigned collection rounds.

The changes followed a successful trial in North Herts as part of the national "FlexCollect" pilot, which has now led to permanent kerbside recycling of plastic bags and wrapping across both districts.

Food waste making a difference

East Herts communities collected 2,717 tonnes of food waste between August and December 2025 alone. That waste is now processed into biogas and fertiliser, supporting greener farming practices and diverting material away from landfill.

The move puts both districts in a strong position ahead of the national requirement for separate weekly food waste collections, which comes into force on 31 March 2026.

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Council reaction

Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment at North Hertfordshire District Council, said: "We know that changes to everyday services can feel unsettling at first, and residents were right to ask questions. But I want to thank people for giving the new system a chance and sticking with it. The results speak for themselves – thousands of tonnes of waste are already being diverted from landfill and incineration, with even greater environmental benefits to come. This is a shared achievement."

Councillor Tim Hoskin, Executive Member for Environmental Sustainability at East Hertfordshire District Council, added: "It is fantastic to see just how much East Herts residents have embraced the service change, particularly separating their food waste. Food waste in landfill generates methane, which is highly damaging to the environment. Every resident who uses their food waste bin truly is making an impact."

Nikki Mills, Senior Contract Manager at Veolia, said crews have seen first-hand how residents are adapting: "These changes have improved route efficiency and created fuel savings. When combined with introducing renewable diesel and electric vehicles to our fleet, we are successfully lowering carbon emissions."

Initial concerns, strong response

While some households initially raised concerns over bin numbers and collection frequency, councils say recycling and food waste participation rates have been strong.

The introduction of dedicated cardboard and paper bins has also proved popular the council say, particularly as manufacturers move away from single-use plastics and packaging volumes increase.

Councils say the early success demonstrates the power of collective action – with residents across Hitchin and the wider district helping create cleaner, greener communities.