 Keeping up with council recycling rates
We’re introducing fortnightly rubbish and recycling collections for most households next summer, with new wheeled rubbish bins to boost recycling and make essential savings.
More than 85 per cent of English councils now collect rubbish and recycling on alternating weeks and their recycling rates soared after changing.
Based on how they fared, ours could rise from 54 per cent to 64 per cent – putting us in the top 10 nationwide.
This will help us meet our climate commitments and save more than £1 million a year as we work to secure our finances at a time of unprecedented pressure.
Get the latest updates on changes straight to your inbox, subscribe to our fortnightly Rubbish and Recycling newsletter.
Greener future achievable with recycling sacks
We know some of you would prefer a wheeled recycling bin as well as a wheeled rubbish bin, and we will consider this under a new waste contract in 2026.
For now, our reusable green sacks are fine. Other councils prove this, having increased their recycling rates after adopting fortnightly rubbish bins and recycling bags.
Most households won’t need more than four bags (240 litres) per fortnight, which is the same amount as wheeled recycling bins in many areas including Reading Borough.
You can order recycling bags free of charge or order a food bin - and we recommend using this to reduce your rubbish.
 Primary school applications now open
If you have a child who is due to start primary or infant school next year, then applications are now open.
Parents of children who were born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 have until 15 January to apply, with National Offer Day on 16 April.
We have lots of information on our starting primary school hub, including:
- How to apply
- Which schools can I apply to?
- When can my child start school?
- Schooling for children with special educational needs or disabilities
- Admission policies
 Get help, volunteer or donate this Christmas
With Christmas not far away we've put together all your festive support options during the festive season:
- An event for people who are alone on Christmas Day
- Help with presents if your children if you can't afford them
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Free bus travel on Saturdays in the borough in the run up to Christmas (starting this weekend)
- How to donate and support local organisations this festive season
If you need help this winter with food, energy, bills and more, check our cost of living help hub.
 Provide feedback on your experience of GP surgeries
Come and meet the team from Healthwatch Wokingham Borough to share your views on what could be better and what works well at your GP surgery.
Join the conversation at:
- Radstock Lane Community Centre (RG6 5UL) in Earley on Tuesday 21 November from 9.30am to 12noon
- Arborfield Village Hall (RG2 9PQ) on Wednesday 6 December from 2.30pm to 6.30pm
The event forms part of a project that was launched across Berkshire West to help improve GP services for everyone.
Healthwatch is an independent body for people that works to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of those who use health and social care services and speak out on their behalf.
Email Healthwatch to find out more about the project, or call (0118) 418 1418.
 Mayor attends Remembrance services
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland paid her respects to those who sacrificed their lives at several Remembrance services last week.
She laid wreaths at the war memorial in Woodley on Saturday (11 November) and at Earley St Peter’s Church on Sunday (12 November).
The Mayor was also part of the Remembrance Sunday service in Wokingham (pictured), organised by Wokingham Town Council.
After laying a wreath inside the town hall, she was part of a parade that walked from Market Place to All Saints Church, led by St Sebastian Wokingham Band.
There’s only a few days left to have your say on potential changes to polling places in the borough. Changes are being proposed as there are set to be new ward boundaries following an electoral boundary review earlier this year. The consultation closes on Sunday (19 November).
What you might have missed
All the updates we’ve sent in the last week can be found here:
Get the latest straight to your inbox by signing up for updates on these topics on our website.
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