 If you haven’t had your say
Over 6,500 residents have taken the survey about potential changes to their future rubbish and recycling collections.
If you haven’t had a chance to take part, come forward as soon as possible and give your views on how the potential changes would affect you.
We also want to thank all who have taken the time to share their views with us. If you can, please also help spread the word to your neighbours, family and friends and invite them to take the survey.
We want to hear from as many residents as possible!
 Seal your green bags
As we have entered a wet season, please don’t forget to seal your green recycling bags whenever they are out. Remember to also tuck the two sides of the bags in to better protect the recycling from the rain.
Recently, four loads of recycling were rejected at the recycling plant because of the soaked paper and cardboard inside. It can still be processed as recycling if it is a bit damp, but when it is soaked through it will most likely be rejected.
If the load is rejected, it has to be disposed of like general rubbish. It is not only worse for the environment, but also costs us twice as much.
 Partnership to reduce period poverty and menstrual waste
We’re partnering with local businesses and charities to help reduce period poverty and get more people swapping to reusable sanitary products.
To encourage people to try these products, Maya’s Refillables, based in Wokingham town centre, will provide them at discounted rates for residents, helping them to save money and reduce waste.
The council is also working in partnership with First Days Children’s Charity and Wokingham Foodbank to provide reusable sanitary pads and Mooncups to people struggling financially.
People who use these services will be provided with products free of charge directly by the charities, with funding support from us.
Discount codes if you’re looking to buy reusable products are available on our website.
Refill to reduce waste: Maya’s Refillables
“Wokingham has an urge for green products,” said Maya Gheorghe, owner of Maya’s Refillables in Wokingham town.
Maya moved to the UK about nine years ago and was a software manager in translation and banking, before starting her market stall in Wokingham town, Woodley and Yateley in 2019.
She wanted to test the concept of using refillable containers instead of buying in new plastic bottles and see whether people would embrace it. She began with liquids and added food refills not long after.
Over 9,200 bottles refilled in six months
Maya found the demand was there and eventually decided to open a zero-waste shop in Peach Place, Wokingham, because she found a market stall couldn’t cope as this demand gradually grew. She hopes more and more people will be able to reduce waste, especially single-use plastic.
Opened this April, Maya’s Refillables is now offering a wide range, including personal care products like body wash and shampoos, cleaning products like washing-up and laundry liquids, and food such as rice, pasta, grains, oils, cereals, herbs and spices and even Wokingham honey.
Maya adds new products suggested by customers to her shelves regularly, so let her know your wish list, if you have any!
Since its opening, the shop has refilled more than 9,200 bottles. This number does not include food containers, but only liquid refills.
 Refilling is affordable
Maya works with local suppliers and UK brands which go to great lengths to ensure their products are eco-friendly, affordable and easy to refill, as part of their effort to tackle climate change.
“For many products, it is cheaper to refill than buying a new bottle from supermarkets, even when they’re on offer,” said Maya.
As Maya always buys in bulk, better prices can be guaranteed. She also returns the containers to her suppliers when they are empty, making every effort to reduce waste. A proper circular model!
Building a plastic-free community
“I have plenty of ideas,” said Maya.
She believes that refilling can apply across all generations and activities. She is giving more and more talks to local schools with a focus on sustainability and recycling.
As for businesses, some restaurants and charity shops in Wokingham town are already using her products, as they recognise the benefits of refilling, not only to their business, but also the environment.
In the year ahead, Maya plans to kick start a campaign to build a ‘Plastic Free Community’ in Wokingham recognised by Surfers against Sewage, a UK charity dedicated to the protection of oceans and wildlife. If you are interested in taking part, you can send Maya an email.
If you want to know more about Maya’s story, visit the Maya’s Refillables website or Facebook page.
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