Changes to your waste and recycling collections coming 2026

Analysis shows that around 40% of black bag general waste in Arun and West Sussex is food waste, and 13% is recyclable material. Separating food waste collected from across the whole of West Sussex (including Arun) allows it to be recycled via anaerobic digestion into biofertiliser and energy. The biofertiliser will be used as a fertiliser for farmers' fields, and the energy will power the plant, with any excess exported to the national grid to be used in homes.

You will receive:

• a black 180-litre wheeled general waste bin
• a 23-litre outdoor food waste bin
• a 5-litre indoor food waste caddy and a starter roll of 26 liners for the indoor food waste caddy
• some communal properties and flats may be provided with shared outdoor general waste & food waste bins where appropriate.

The new general waste bins will also reduce loose black bags, helping to keep streets cleaner. 

Under the new system, residents will receive 104 collections per year (52 food waste, 26 refuse, 26 recycling), compared to 78 currently.

The kitchen caddy is small (5L) and fits on a worktop or under the sink. If you prefer, use only the 23L outdoor bin or your own container indoors before transferring waste outside. The outdoor bin is compact - about the size of two adult Wellington boots.

Food waste bin and indoor caddy delivery

For the majority of households deliveries will commence from 9 March and 10 April 2026 in time for weekly food waste collections to commence from 13 April. Flats and communal properties will receive food waste bins and caddies shortly after this.

For the vast majority of households your collection day will stay the same. However, due to a full review of collection rounds around 10% of collection days will change for efficiency purposes. Residents will be notified of changes to collection days ahead of the new services going live from 13 April 2026.

Food waste will be collected weekly on the same day as either recycling or general waste. Continue to place bins out by 7am. General waste will move to fortnightly collections in all but exceptional circumstances.

General waste will be collected every two weeks, except in special situations.

The new collection system of weekly food waste/fortnightly general waste is expected to begin shortly after Easter 2026. Once the start date and new collection rounds are confirmed, residents will be able to check their updated collection schedules in several ways:

• Arun District Council app - the easiest way to stay informed. Sign up with your postcode to receive collection reminders and helpful guidance
• Online postcode checker for new collection days (not currently available) - this will be available here once new rounds are finalised nearer to the introduction of new services
• Customer contact centre - call 01903 737754 if you don't have access to online services

To standardise collections, the vast majority of households will receive a free 180-litre black wheeled general waste bin well ahead of the changes to collection services. Communal properties and purpose-built flats will be assessed separately. The rollout of new bins is planned to begin in January 2026 and will continue through to March. Residents can make use of the new bin instead of their old bin straight away or store it until alternate weekly collections begin.

What if I already have a 180-litre wheeled or smaller wheeled general waste bin? 

You can only opt out of receiving a new bin and continue to use your existing general waste bin if it is a 180-litre or smaller wheeled bin. We have created a diagram to help you know the size of your existing bin here. The image shows three bin sizes: 140l - acceptable (110cm max tall, 55cm max deep, 48.5cm max wide), 180l - acceptable (110cm max tall, 75.5cm max, 48.5cm max wide) and 240l - unacceptable (110cm max tall, 74cm max deep, 58.5cm max wide).

You must contact us before your new bin is due to be delivered in order to opt out. You can opt out by filling out our online form, or by calling our customer services team

Collection of unwanted bins

Unless you opt out you will receive a new bin from us. Whilst we would prefer you to reuse your old bin for another purpose, we can collect and recycle your old one once we have delivered your new one and once your old one is empty and free from any rubbish.

Please complete our unwanted general waste bin form, or contact our customer services team, to request a collection.

Unwanted bin collections - important update

We are currently receiving a very high number of requests to collect unwanted bins. Because of this, the original timescale of 10 working days after you receive your new 180‑litre bin no longer applies.

The new target date for collecting unwanted bins is 31 May 2026.

If you have already asked us to remove an unwanted general waste bin, please be assured that your request is in the system. You do not need to contact us again or submit another request.

Final deadline for requests

The deadline to request the removal of an unwanted general waste bin is 24 April 2026.

Requests made after this date cannot be collected, and residents will need to arrange disposal themselves.

What if I need more refuse bin capacity?

We would encourage all residents to try and reduce their general waste as much as possible by sticking to the 180-litre bin.

However, provided you meet certain criteria and will make use of the available existing fortnightly recycling and new food waste collection services, then in special circumstances (for example households of five or more) you can apply for an extra bin where it is justifiably needed. If this applies to you please use the online application form to request a second bin.

Residents will receive a postcard between 4-10 weeks prior to their 180-litre bin delivery with details of how to apply for any of the options above. 

Most households will receive:

• a 23-litre grey outdoor food waste bin with an orange lid
• communal properties may be provided with shared outdoor food waste bins where appropriate.

All households will receive:

• a 5-litre grey indoor food waste caddy and a starter roll of 26 liners

Even if you compost at home, we encourage all residents to use the new service to help reduce general waste and ease the transition to fortnightly collections. Home composting is not suitable for meat, bones, cooked food, or dairy. Use the food waste bin for these items.

What can I put in my food waste bin?

Cooked and uncooked food waste can be recycled using the service, including:  

• meat - including bones 
• fish and shellfish 
• dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt 
• cooked and uncooked vegetables and fruit including peelings 
• bread, cakes and pastries 
• rice, pasta and beans 
• plate scrapings 
• tea bags and coffee grounds 
• eggshells  
• solid fats 
• pet food 
• mouldy and out-of-date food

What not to put in food waste bin

No packaging, oils, liquids, animal waste, bedding, flowers, or non-food items. Remove all plastic before disposal. Incorrect items mean your bin won't be emptied.

Using the new service

Food waste collections are strongly encouraged but not compulsory. We are obliged to provide all households with the opportunity to recycle their food waste so must deliver the food waste bin and indoor caddy. Separating food waste helps reduce waste and benefits the environment through anaerobic digestion, producing energy and biofertiliser. If you don't use the service, you'll still have fortnightly general waste collections, and extra bags won't be accepted.

Preventing smells and pests

Weekly food waste collections and lockable bins help prevent vermin and odours. Tips:

• keep lids closed
• wrap smelly food in newspaper or compostable liners
• rinse recycling before binning
• store bins out of direct sun
• clean bins regularly

Odours

Food waste shouldn't smell if transferred from the kitchen caddy to the outside food waste bin, regularly and bins are kept closed. Do not use plastic bags and use newspaper for wrapping. Kitchen caddies and bins are easy to clean. General waste should smell less with food waste removed.

The roll-out of food waste collection for those living in purpose-built flats will take place in three phases.

Phase 1 - Purpose‑built flats in rural areas and villages not identified in phase 2 or 3

Food caddies and bins delivered: week of 6 April

Food waste collections begin: week of 13 April

Phase 2 - Purpose‑built flats in Littlehampton and Rustington

Food caddies and bins delivered: week of 4 May

Food waste collections begin: week of 11 May

Phase 3 - Purpose‑built flats in Bognor Regis, Felpham and Aldwick

Food caddies and bins delivered: week of 15 June

Food waste collections begin: week of 29 June

What you will receive

Every flat will receive:

• A 5‑litre indoor food caddie
• A free starter roll of liners
• A guidance leaflet

Depending on your building and current waste facilities, you will also receive either:

An individual 23‑litre outdoor food bin, or access to a shared 140‑litre food bin for your block.

These arrangements are based on council audits and, where needed, discussions with managing agents.

Please note: These dates may change. If they do, we will update this page let residents know through our communications.

The fortnightly recycling service will continue, though collection days may change. You can check your updated schedule using the app, postcode checker, or by contacting us.

To help manage your waste effectively, please remember: clean, dry and loose is key to good recycling. Making full use of this service will also help reduce pressure on your refuse bin.

Stay up to date with the latest tips and guidance on the new collection services via our app and website.

From early December dedicated contact centre advisors will be available to help with any questions.

Starting in early 2026, a bookable in-person service will also be available to offer tailored advice, education, and support for residents who need help adapting to the new system.

• Email: simpler-recycling@arun.gov.uk
• Call our customer contact centre on 01903 737754