|
Environmental Services
January 2026
|
|
|
As we enter the new year, and winter is still here, we often turn to improving ourselves and our homes. Often the items we get rid of are reusable, up-cyclable, and might be what someone else is looking for. Sometimes it is hard or inconvenient to get rid of your unwanted clothes, footwear or small household items and electricals.
Anglo Doorstep Collections offers a complimentary, dependable, and transparent charity doorstep collection service near you. Collections are scheduled weekly and cover postcodes throughout the borough.
Whilst there are multiple charities who might take unwanted furniture, some items may no longer be fit for purpose. You can book a bulky collection for 1-4 items (£32) or 5-8 items (£42) via the Maidstone Borough Council website.
|
|
|
We are regularly asked for data, and we collect a great deal of it.
We monitor various aspects of the service including waste tonnages, telephone calls, recycling rates, missed collection rates, recycling contamination, food waste tonnages and others. As a starter this month, here's a couple of interesting items.
|
|
Telephone calls
This graph shows the number of telephone calls received for Waste Services.
Comparing 2025 vs 2024, you will note levels have considerably reduced in the last year.
|
|
And some facts about the calls we do receive
Year on year, the total number of calls has decreased by more than 34%.
Of the calls we receive:
- 9% relate to a service issue
- 91% are general enquiries, such as ordering a replacement bin, booking a bulky collection, requesting a new food caddy, or simply asking us a question.
|
|
Missed bins
Our first time successful collection rate is over 99.99%.
To help show patterns over time, we measure missed collections per 100,000 collections. The graph shows numbers from April to December 2025.
|
|
And to answer more of your questions...
Can you recycle shredded paper ?
YES. Please put it in a cardboard box, this keeps the paper secure before it arrives at the paper mill.
Can you recycle, polystyrene ?
NO. Please dispose via the black residual waste bin.
Why do you want the materials loose in the recycling bin?
The materials are not restrained or hidden in a bag, so they can be visually sorted once they reach the conveyor belt. Please do not put plastic bags in your recycling bin.
|
|
Food caddy competition
Our food caddy competition winner for December is ....
CR of ME16, she was found using the food bin correctly on Thursday 8 January.
CR has been separating food waste for a while and bought the package to replace her original caddies.
|
|
Good news!
To start the year, we've extended the caddy package and reduced the price.
We now include:
23 Litre external caddy
5 Litre internal caddy (random colours)
A roll of compostable bags
Fridge magnet with some useful tips
Food bag clip
Service information leaflets
The package is available to Maidstone residents only, for £9 via the website.
|
|
A quick question
What do you think is the most common contaminant found in our food waste collections?
Answer below
The most common contaminant is......... cardboard packaging!
Please remove food from the packaging before placing it in your caddy.
The cardboard packaging can usually be recycled, give it a quick wipe before placing it in your recycling bin.
|
|
You asked us for external links, so here are some more. |
|
We are here to help, any questions about household waste and
recycling services in Maidstone, please contact us at
Recycling@Maidstone.gov.uk
|
|
|
The Parks Department works outdoors in all weather conditions
Our Parks Team manages over 425 hectares of public land, including public parks, nature reserves, allotments, and play areas. Staff carry out grass cutting, shrub pruning, hedge cutting, sports pitch maintenance, tree planting, and a wide range of other tasks.
At this time of year, during January and February, staff focus on shrub pruning and hedge cutting, along with hard and soft landscaping. We are also carrying out tree work alongside regular play area upkeep. In addition, our teams are undertaking a full programme of training to ensure we remain at the forefront of current horticultural practices.
Looking ahead, we are increasing biodiversity in our parks by encouraging more wildflower areas. The areas selected for less frequent mowing should allow suppressed flora to flourish. We hope to see clover, daisies, buttercups, cranesbill, and cow parsley return, providing natural habitat for insects, invertebrates, bees, ladybirds, and other wildlife.
You can encourage these visitors in your own garden by creating a small wildflower corner. See the RHS link for tips and further information.
|
|
Our first quote of 2026
"The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everyone involved"
(Richard Rogers - British / Italian Architect)
|
|
Finally, if you have a recycling or waste subject that you would like us to cover in our next edition - let us know.
Recycling@maidstone.gov.uk
|
|
Thanks for reading our Environmental Services update. If you enjoyed reading this months mewsletter, please copy to friends, so they can sign up as well.
Other newsletters from Maidstone Borough Council include:
Climate Change and Biodiversity – everything to do with sustainability
What’s On in Maidstone – for all events
News – to keep up to date
Consultations – share your views
Visit Maidstone – the best places to visit and stay
Business in Maidstone – workshops, events and business support
Planning – updates on recent planning decisions
|
|
|
|
|
