Residents thanked as council continues drive to boost recycling

Residents across Lewes district will begin receiving their new waste and recycling collection calendars over the coming weeks, ahead of the introduction of alternate weekly collections from 9 February 2026.

The move is designed to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration - evidence shows that this approach encourages residents to think more carefully about what goes into each bin, significantly increasing recycling levels.

Under the new system, recycling and non‑recyclable refuse will be collected on alternating weeks, while food waste will continue to be collected weekly using the council's fleet of electric vehicles.

The change brings Lewes District Council in line with the rest of East Sussex and the majority of councils across England.

Councillor Wendy Maples, Lead Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said:

"This is a really positive step for our district.

"By moving to alternate weekly collections, we're joining councils across the country who have already seen improvements in recycling. Every extra item we recycle helps reduce our environmental impact and supports a more sustainable future for everyone.

"My thanks to the many hundreds of residents who have joined our food waste recycling service in recent weeks or who have requested bigger refuse bins and additional recycling bins."

To support the transition, drop-in events have been running and are continuing during January and February - residents can pick up a food waste recycling kit and meet council officers who will answer any questions:
 

• Peacehaven Town Council, Welcome Café between 10am and 1pm, 26 Jan, 9 Feb and 23 Feb
   
• Lewes Climate Hub, Lewes House, 12 - 2pm, 5 Feb and 5 March
   
• Nevill Residents Association, Hill Down Road, 7pm-9.30pm, 9 Feb
   
• Bishopstone Friends Group, Bishopstone Station, 11am-1pm,16 Feb
   
• Seaford Town Council, 37 Church Street, 9am - 12noon, 28 Jan, 11am - 2pm,18 Feb
   

Further drop-in events will be scheduled soon.
 

Cllr Maples added:
 

"I want to thank residents for everything they already do to reduce, reuse and recycle. These changes will make it even easier for households to recycle more from home, and our teams are here to support anyone who needs help adapting."
 

Residents can find full details of what can be recycled, order food waste starter kits, or download a digital copy of their calendar at: www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/awc