Since 2011, the council has funded a comprehensive kerbside sort recycling collection service for residents and provided all the necessary recycling boxes, bags and caddies free of charge. The service was further enhanced in October 2017 allowing majority of residents to recycle plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays; aluminium and steel cans; glass; cardboard; paper; small electrical items; batteries and textiles. Cheltenham was the first council to sign up to the kerbside coffee pod collection (Podback) which has been successfully operating at no cost to the tax payer since October 2021 recycling approximately 4.5 million coffee pods thanks to the support of residents.
The council currently provides all residents with waste and recycling receptacles free of charge however the annual cost of this is approximately £211,500 per year. It is nearly seven years after Cheltenham’s kerbside sort service was further enhanced by the introduction of more items which can be recycled and by now majority of residents are familiar with the service and have adequate waste and recycling receptacles with only an occasional need to replace an item.
In common with many other authorities, and in response to budget pressures following the higher cost of fuel, tyres, vehicle maintenance and labour, the council introduced a small delivery charge of £4.99 per item (reduced to £2.99 per item for residents in receipt of certain benefits) applies. From 1 January 2025, this will be reduced to £4.99 for up to three items and £9.98 for up to six items; for those residents in receipt of some benefits the delivery charge is reduced to £2.99 for up to three items and £5.98 for up to six items.
Charges may increase annually in line with inflation for all receptacles which will also contribute to the administrative costs associated with receptacle orders. The council has launched a new online ordering form to take payment quickly and easily.