Big Changes for Rubbish Collections in Mid West Cornwall – Here’s What You Need to Know

Residents across mid west Cornwall are now using a new waste collection service as Cornwall Council completes the final stage of its rollout. The changes, which come into effect today (10th March 2025), include separate food waste collections, new rubbish bins or protective sacks, and adjustments to collection schedules.

Who Is Affected?

This rollout affects households in Camborne, Redruth, Falmouth, Penryn, St Mawes, Truro, Probus, Trispen, Mitchell, Perranporth, St Agnes, Portreath and surrounding areas. Residents in these locations have already received new waste containers in preparation for the switch.

The introduction of the service in mid west Cornwall follows earlier rollouts in mid, south east, west, and north east Cornwall, which began last year.

What’s Changing?

The new waste service aims to reduce landfill waste and increase recycling across Cornwall. Key changes include:

• Weekly food waste collections using new kitchen and outdoor caddies.
• Fortnightly rubbish collections in either a wheelie bin or protective sack.
• Fortnightly recycling collections using existing recycling bags and boxes.
• New collection days for most households.
• Changes to recycling collection weeks for some residents.

For properties with shared or communal bins, Cornwall Council has provided tailored bin arrangements to fit their collection needs.

Check Your Collection Days

With most residents seeing changes to their collection schedules, Cornwall Council is urging people to check their collection calendars. Households can also find their updated collection information by entering their postcode at www.cornwall.gov.uk/myarea.

Why the Change?

Since the waste service rollout began in January 2024, Cornwall has seen a drop in overall waste generation and a significant boost in recycling rates. Over 11,000 tonnes of food waste has already been collected as part of the scheme.

Cllr Carol Mould, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, encouraged residents to stay informed about their new collection schedule, saying:

“This is the final area for the rollout of our new Cornwall-wide food waste, recycling and rubbish service, and we want to thank everyone who has got onboard with the new service so far and support our residents in mid west Cornwall who are just about to start.

“Since the new service started in January 2024 we have seen a reduction in the amount of waste generated, a big increase in recycling and collected more than 11,000 tonnes of food recycling. This is down to all of you doing your bit to contribute to a more sustainable Cornwall for everyone.

“If you live in mid west Cornwall, make sure you know how your waste collections are changing from this week. Most people’s collection day is changing but don’t forget to also check which week you should put out your rubbish and food waste and which week you need to put out your recycling and food waste. If you’re not sure, just go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/myarea and put in your postcode.

“You can also find lots of tips on starting to recycle your food waste at www.cornwall.gov.uk/foodrecycling. If you need advice and have a question for our waste team, just head to www.cornwall.gov.uk/wastechanges.”

Residents are being encouraged to use the resources provided by Cornwall Council to make the transition as smooth as possible.