Residents thanked for saving millions through recycling efforts

Residents are being thanked by the Council for their recycling efforts after more than 21,000 tonnes of household waste was recycled between January and November 2025, saving more than £3m of Swindon resident’s money.

This total includes dry recyclables, garden and food waste collected from homes across the area. If the material had been thrown into refuse, it would have cost the Council an extra £3m to dispose of, highlighting the everyday actions of residents who are choosing to recycle more and waste less.

An increased amount of waste and recycling is expected to be presented for the Council to collect following Christmas and New Year. In 2025, 1,135 tonnes more waste was presented for crews to collect in January compared to August. With more waste likely to be produced, residents are being reminded to make the most of Swindon’s recycling and food waste collections.

Christmas staples such as potatoes, poultry, vegetables and any leftovers are among the most wasted items at this time of year, despite being easy to reuse, freeze or recycle through food waste collections.

By using food waste collections for peelings, leftovers and plate scrapings, residents can help ensure this waste is turned into renewable energy rather than sent to landfill. While dry recycling collections continue to reduce the amount of wrapping, packaging and bottles thrown away over Christmas. Simple steps such as planning portions, freezing extra food and checking what can be recycled can help households enjoy a more sustainable Christmas.

Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport said, “I’d like to say a huge thank you to residents for the part they play in reducing their waste. Recycling over 21,000 tonnes of material in less than a year is a fantastic achievement and shows how small actions at home can add up to a big impact for our environment.”

“Christmas can be a busy and waste-heavy time, but planning meals, freezing leftovers and making full use of food waste and recycling collections can really help. Reducing food waste not only cuts costs, but also helps turn unavoidable food waste into renewable energy.”

Anyone who is unsure of how to recycle something can search items using the Council’s Waste Wizard - www.wastewizard.swindon.gov.uk.