Changes to your bin collections to start in spring 2026
From April 2026, all councils in England - including Arun - will be legally required to provide weekly food waste collections as part of the government's Simpler Recycling reforms, which aim to create a more consistent approach to waste and recycling across the country.
At the same time, Arun will move to fortnightly general waste collections using a new 180-litre wheeled bin. This change is designed to encourage greater use of both the new food waste service and the existing fortnightly mixed recycling collections.
Details of the changes to waste collections, approved by Arun District Council's Environment Committee in March 2024, will be communicated to residents through a range of channels over the coming weeks and months up until the new services go live in April 2026. Residents will receive a postcard around 4 to 6 weeks prior to their bin delivery with more details.
Before the scheme begins, residents will receive a free 180-litre general waste bin, a free outdoor waste bin for food waste and a free 5-litre indoor food caddie with a starter roll of liners.
Communal properties and flats will be assessed separately and provided with suitable shared bins where needed.
Your fortnightly recycling service will continue, although collection days may change.
Councillor Amanda Worne, Chair of Arun District Council's Environment Committee, said: “I know this is a big change and people may be feeling worried, but we want residents to rest assured that we will work with them to make the new scheme work, as it has in many other parts of the country.
“A trial in 2021 showed us that this can work really well, and I'm confident it will be a success across Arun. Hopefully this change will see an increase in recycling and help considerably towards looking after our environment which is a really good reason for it to happen.”
The improvements will be delivered using a £1.66m grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and households will receive 104 collections a year, up from the current 78.
To keep up to date, you can also follow Arun District Council on social media, sign up to receive our free residents' monthly e-newsletter E-newsletter | Latest news | Arun District Council and download our free app that lets you check your next bin collection day, get reminders and receive updates on changes - like Christmas schedules Arun District Council mobile app | Arun District Council