Winchester recycling rate rises sharply following food waste rollout

Winchester's recycling rate has risen sharply following the introduction of weekly food waste collections across the district, according to figures welcomed by local Liberal Democrats.

The proportion of household waste recycled increased from 40.40% in 2024/25 to 47.33% during the first four months following the full rollout of the new service – an improvement of almost seven percentage points.

The weekly collections are helping residents recycle food waste that would previously have been thrown away with general rubbish. Instead, the collected material can be turned into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Residents across Winchester District are now recycling around 300 tonnes of food waste each month, with the Council estimating that the service could save approximately 1,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.

Lib Dem Councillor Steve Cramoysan, Winchester City Council's Cabinet Member for Waste and Recycling, has welcomed the figures as evidence that the district is making progress towards recycling more and wasting less.

The Council is continuing to improve the service following its introduction, including addressing missed collections and other initial issues raised by residents.

Residents can find information about collections, what can be recycled and how to report missed bins at winchester.gov.uk.

The Liberal Democrats say the improvement shows how practical changes to everyday council services can help households make a positive difference to the environment.