Source: City of Oxford
Oxford City Council, and its partner ODS, are taking decisive steps to improve their bulky waste collection service.
To ensure the service operates at a manageable and sustainable level, the Council is implementing the following improvements:
These measures will allow the Council to clear any existing backlog and reduce collection waiting times to within improved level of seven days.
Comment
Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies, said: “Oxford City Council and ODS remain committed to continuously improving our bulky waste collections to help ensure a cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective service for all residents.
“Now, these measures will cut the collection response times to make it easier for everyone to get rid of their bulky waste items quickly, and at a low cost.”
Background
Charges for bulky waste collections were introduced in 2021 (£30 for white goods and £20 for other bulky items) bringing the City Council’s policy in line with other districts in Oxfordshire. A discount is available for those receiving housing benefit, council tax support, or universal credit with a housing element. The discount for bulky waste furniture is £10 per item and for large electrical items and white goods, £15 per item.
In January 2023, Government regulations required that waste items containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as fire-retardant upholstery be collected and processed separately. This statutory requirement has increased operational costs and decreased capacity, as separate waste streams must now be managed.
Currently, white goods bulky waste collections take place one day a week and are disposed of at Redbridge. POPs and other bulky furniture collections take place on two days a week and are taken to either Sutton Courtney or Redbridge.
With an increased collection schedule and route optimisation, the Council aims to ensure a faster service for residents.
Looking ahead
In the longer term, the Council is working on making the bulky waste collection service even better by:
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evaluating the impact of Simpler Recycling legislation and Extended Producer Responsibility payments, which indicate that Councils may be required to offer free domestic bulky waste collections in the future
Booking a bulky waste collection
Residents can book a bulky waste collection by calling 01865 249811. For further inquiries, contact the Recycling and Waste Team.
Find out more about the collection service by visiting the bulky waste webpage.