Improvements to Cumberland’s kerbside waste and recycling are being proposed which aim to make the service fairer and more efficient.
The proposed changes, that could result in some changes to the current frequency and method of collection, will:
- Harmonise waste collections throughout Cumberland’s area.
- Enhance service reliability and efficiency.
- Create a positive working environment for staff.
- Support Cumberland Council’s environmental goals and compliance with new government regulations.
The redesigned service will also align with Cumberland Council’s commitment to sustainability, fairness, and future growth.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“The former Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland areas of Cumberland currently have different kerbside collection services - including how often it is collected and how it is collected.
“We are proposing some changes that are designed to provide a reliable and efficient waste collection services while ensuring fair and consistent access for all households.”
Building on our public engagement earlier this year, Cumberland Council is inviting residents to have their say on how their waste and recycling is collected in the future.
A public consultation gets underway today (Friday 6 December) and will run until Wednesday 8 January 2025.
Residents are invited to share their views on the following:
- Former Allerdale area
It is proposed to change collections to be the same as Carlisle and Copeland areas. Refuse collections would be fortnightly and cardboard/paper collections will increase from monthly to fortnightly.
To accommodate the refuse collection proposals, householders will be given the option to request a larger bin (180 litre - most residents have a 120 litre bin). It is proposed to start the new arrangements for refuse in April 2025 and recycling in September 2025.
- Former Carlisle area
Carlisle households currently have a mix of boxes and bags for their recycling collections. It is proposed to provide wheeled bins to make it consistent with other areas within Cumberland. Paper and cardboard will be recycled in one bin while glass, cans and plastics in another. The frequency of these refuse and recycling collections will not change.
It is proposed to provide wheeled bins from May 2026.
- Former Allerdale and Carlisle areas
It is proposed to collect and dispose of garden waste from one bin per property. There will be a yearly charge of £40 per additional bin that residents request to be collected. This is consistent with the approach in the former Copeland area.
It is proposed to make this change in March 2025. Collections will be fortnightly between March and November each year (Carlisle is currently all year but with a reduced service December - February).
In the former Copeland area, the current arrangements will continue as normal, and no changes are proposed.
The consultation document is quick and easy to complete online. It is available at www.cumberland.gov.uk/have-your-say
Paper copies are available at libraries across the Cumberland area, as well as at Allerdale House in Workington, Cumbria House, and the Civic Centre in Carlisle or the Market Hall in Whitehaven.