Waste Changes in Patchway: Let’s Make This Work — Together

office09115
2 hours ago
4 min read

From May 2026, black wheelie bin collections in Patchway will move to a three-weekly schedule as part of changes introduced by South Gloucestershire Council, (SGC).

At first glance, that might sound like a backward step — but there’s more to the story, and some of the changes coming in are good news.

You can also find further information by clicking the using the link here - https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/three-weekly-black-bin-collections-2026/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo

Please note that the remaining 24% of the bottom section of the black wheelie bin consists of non-recyclable waste. Making 76% of the bin content RECYCLABLE!

So, What’s Changing?

Alongside the move to three-weekly black bin collections, recycling is improving. From May 2026, soft packaging — which are plastics that easily bend or crush, which include things like plastic bags, pouches, wrappers, such as bread bags, crisp packets, bubble wrap, pet/baby food pouches and produce bags — will be recyclable. That’s a big win because it means less waste needs to go in the black bin.

Did You Know?

A surprising amount of what currently ends up in black bins could be recycled instead. Before dropping something into the black wheelie bin, it’s worth pausing for a second and asking: “Could this go in my recycling?” If we all make that small check, it can make a big difference — especially with longer gaps between general waste collections.

A new weighted bag (as pictured – photo from SGC website) will support collection of kerbside recycling and are being distributed to households now. The bag will accommodate hard plastic, cans, and foil. Other items including glass, paper and cardboard can be left in your green box container. SGC will also be providing blue bags to collect your soft packaging on a weekly basis, as now.

A link to the SGC website for further information can be found here - https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/environment-and-waste/waste-and-recycling/

Need a Bit More Space? Help Is Available

Some households may qualify for a larger black wheelie bin, depending on their circumstances. This isn’t automatic, but residents can apply to South Gloucestershire Council to see if they’re eligible, SGC link here - https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/order-new-bins-and-boxes/

Also, from May 2026, eligible households will be able to access a free, fortnightly collection for:

Children’s disposable nappies
Adult incontinence products
Stoma and colostomy bags

This service is being introduced to help residents manage these types of waste more easily, reduce odours, and avoid filling limited black‑bin space during the extended three‑weekly cycle.

Please note:

The service does not cover menstrual products, which should continue to be disposed of through existing waste streams.
Collections for infectious or potentially infectious clinical waste will remain separate.

Who Should Apply?

Residents who may benefit include:

Families with babies or young children using disposable nappies
Residents using incontinence products
Individuals managing medical conditions requiring stoma or colostomy bags
Carers or households supporting vulnerable adults who produce this type of waste

Expression of Interest

SGC are inviting residents to express their interest in the service. Completing the online form allows them to register their contact details so we can notify them when applications officially open.

Once approved, households will receive:

A fortnightly collection calendar
A pack of the designated hygiene and nappy waste sacks
Access to collection information via the Council’s app and website

The Expression of Interest form is available here:

https://sites.southglos.gov.uk/newsroom/environment/new-hygiene-and-nappy-waste-collection-service-to-be-introduced-express-an-interest/

Quick Reminder: Public Bins Aren’t Household Bins

New public bins have recently been installed around Patchway by the Town Council, and they’re there for a reason — to support everyday waste while out and about and dog walkers on their daily walks. The Town Council Estates Team empty the public bins three times a week, and adhoc collections as and when required.

The bins are not meant for household waste. The black wheelie bins provided by SGC serves this purpose. Sadly, some bins are being misused, and in some places waste — including dog waste bags — is being left on the ground where bins used to be. That’s not okay. While the council still clears this waste, it creates extra costs that are factored into the annual precept (Council Tax) calculations each year and undermines the whole purpose of the bins. Let’s use them as intended and help keep Patchway clean.

Fly-Tipping: There’s a Better Option

Fly-tipping continues to be a problem locally, but there are legal and affordable alternatives. Residents can book a bulky waste collection, and a handy tip is to club together with a neighbour, if there are items you need to get removed. Sharing a collection can help reduce individual costs and keeps items out of streets, paths, and green spaces. There are also scrap metal collections available in the local area too.

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/collection-of-large-household-items/

Or for more general waste that cannot be collected at the kerbside, book online with a local recycling centre.

https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/book-recycling-centre/

Garden Waste collection – Regular collection or a one-off

Whether you’re a keen gardener or only have a small garden that needs an occasional tidy up, SGC can support kerbside green waste collection. You do have to sign up to receive a green wheelie bin, and the cost is £63.00 for fortnightly collections throughout the year and can be £31.50 if you qualify under certain benefits. For the smaller garden, an occasional waste sack collection can be arranged. Sacks cost £3.10 which can be purchased from the One Stop Shop or local Library and you must book online to get the waste taken away. Further information can be found with the following link - https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/recycling-garden-waste/#What-you-can-put-in-a-green-bin-or-waste-sack

A Final Thought

The aim of this article was to provide you all with further information and let you know that there is help available. That the changes by South Gloucestershire Council to three weekly collections of general waste can be supported if we ALL do our bit. It’s also so much more beneficial to the environment if we help to sustain a more positive and brighter future.

So, if we: