Ashford Borough Council expanding communal property recycling

Ashford Borough Council is making it easier than ever for residents to recycle with the introduction of recycling (dry recycling) and food waste bins in all communal properties across the borough.

As part of an extensive bin store review in communal properties and in line with the UK Government's Simpler Recycling plans, over 5,000 properties will gain access to these new facilities.

This roll out, already underway, will be completed by late spring and will ensure the large majority of properties in the borough have access to both recycling services, with the remaining few covered by summer.

What can be recycled?

Recycling: A wide variety of materials including food and drink cans, mixed glass, mixed paper, cardboard, and plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays.

Food waste: Meat, fish and bones (cooked and uncooked), leftovers and out-of-date food, fruit and vegetable scraps (including peelings), teabags, coffee grounds, bread, pasta, and rice. The simple rule: if it was once food, it goes in the food bin.

A helpful recycling flyer will be delivered to residents and those who will be participating in food waste recycling for the first time will also receive a food caddy. If a resident needs a replacement food caddy, they can order one for free on the council's website.

It is hoped the roll out will help maintain and improve Ashford’s strong recycling rate, which currently stands at 50%.

Cllr Steve Campkin, Deputy Leader of Ashford Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Environment, said: "While it’s always best to use what we buy and minimise waste from the outset, it’s important that we recycle what we can’t avoid using.

“I’m pleased to see the council reviewing waste facilities across the borough and that more residents can participate in recycling. Making recycling easier and more accessible is a significant step forward and I’m grateful to our residents for embracing these changes."

Residents in communal properties can find more information about the roll out of the new dry recycling and food waste bins on our dedicated webpage.

All residents are reminded if in doubt what bin an item should be placed in head to our website for guidance