 New waste collection contract has started
The borough’s new waste and recycling collection contract with Biffa has now started - and here’s what you need to know as the service beds in over the coming weeks.
For most households, collection days are staying the same, unless you’ve been told otherwise directly by letters through your door.
Collection times may be different as crews are now operating new, more efficient routes. You can always check your collection days on our website.
Be patient if your bins are collected earlier or later than you’re used to.
We’re asking everyone to recycle as much as possible, particularly food waste, and to put bins out the night before or by 6.30am on collection day.
Any missed collections should be reported on our website. You can report at any time and our real-time data will show if crews have visited your property or not.
If you use garden waste sacks, make sure they’re booked for collection. You should label all your containers, including wheeled bins, food caddies and recycling bags, to help crews.
Thank you for bearing with us and supporting our crews as the new contract begins.
 Register for a solar and battery offer for your home
Switch Together is a group-buying scheme that helps residents across Wokingham Borough install solar panels and battery storage at a competitive price.
You can now register to receive a personal offer for your home.
It’s free to sign up, takes just a few minutes and there’s no obligation to go ahead. You’ll see the full price and details before deciding if it’s right for you.
If you’re interested in lowering your energy bills or generating more of your own electricity, you can sign up now.
Register before 3 July.
Click to view a larger version of the Ashenbury Park path map
New footpaths coming to Ashenbury Park
Work is due to start from Monday 15 June to install new footpaths at Ashenbury Park, Woodley.
The project will improve links between Ashenbury Park and nearby areas, including Aldermoors Local Nature Reserve, Waingels Road and Beggars Hill Road. This will help increase access through to Charvil Country Park.
A one mile (two kilometres) circular walking route will also be created, making it easier to get around the park.
The new paths will be similar to those at Dinton Pastures, with a tarmac base and rolled gravel surface.
There will be temporary disruption while work takes place, expected to last four to six weeks. Parts of the park and car park will be closed at times, but access will be maintained where possible.
Work is planned for weekdays between 8am and 5pm, with occasional Saturdays if needed due to weather.
 Climate walks, talks and workshops this June
There are plenty of free events to explore this June, focused on climate and the environment.
Reading Climate Festival is running a two-week programme nearby, with activities including nature walks, creative workshops, talks and sessions on making your home more energy efficient.
It’s a good chance to pick up ideas, meet people and try something new. Visit the Eventbrite page for details and to sign up.
You can also come and talk to our Climate and My Journey Wokingham teams at Dinton Pastures on Friday 12 June, 1pm to 4pm. We’ll be near the wooden footbridge by the play park.
Drop in for an informal chat about saving energy at home, solar panels, greener travel or what’s happening locally. No booking needed, just turn up.
 Getting the buzz around electric vehicles
If you're curious about buying and owning an electric vehicle, then save the date for our free information event.
From 10am to 2pm on Saturday 4 July, just drop in at Elms Field in Wokingham (RG40 2FJ) and you can:
- Explore a wide range of EVs with local dealers and suppliers
- Test ride electric bikes and learn more about them
- Chat with experts about charging, maintenance, funding and more
- Learn about our electric cargo bike hire scheme
- Check out one of Reading Buses' electric fleet
- Enjoy a themed family-friends activity trail
- Get your regular (non-electric) bike serviced - advance booking needed
- Get your bike protectively marked by Thames Valley Police
Brands on show will include Ford, Tesla, Citroen and BYD, and local e-bike suppliers AW Cycles and Velospeed are taking part.
This follows two hugely successful events which our My Journey Wokingham team held last year, and we're hoping this year will be just as popular.
We're promoting this event in partnership with Reading Borough Council, Wokingham Town Council and Let's Experience Electric.
 A tyre, sledge and 3.2 tonnes of litter cleared
Residents across Wokingham Borough came together to clear a mix of everyday rubbish and some more unusual finds during this year’s annual community litter pick.
In total, you collected around 3.2 tonnes of waste, with 16 parish and community groups taking part and hundreds of volunteers giving their time.
Across the borough, people filled dozens of bags and helped tidy streets, parks and green spaces. Scout groups, parish councillors and local families all played their part.
Some areas also reported less litter than in previous years, showing the impact of ongoing community action.
 Paths progress at COVID Memorial Woodland
Work is continuing to create accessible paths linking California Country Park to the COVID Memorial Woodland, helping make the site easier to reach, navigate and enjoy.
With drier conditions in recent weeks, construction of the main routes is moving forward. The paths are beginning to take shape, creating clear and welcoming access through the developing woodland.
Across the site, thousands of young trees planted by volunteers, schools and local groups are establishing well. Early wildflower growth is also starting to come through, helping to create a more natural and varied landscape.
The woodland is gradually developing into a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance, with both planting and access improvements progressing steadily.
Work is continuing carefully to protect the surrounding environment, and further updates will be shared ahead of the official opening this summer.
 Scrapp App helps you get your bins right
As we move to our new waste collection contract this week, residents are encouraged to use the free Scrapp app to help keep collections simple and avoid missed bins.
The app lets you set up personalised bin reminders, so you know exactly which bins to put out and when, even as collection times change.
You can also scan barcodes or search for items to get clear guidance on how to recycle them, as well as find nearby bottle banks and supermarket drop-off points.
re3 has recently been recognised with an award for its work with Scrapp, highlighting the impact the app is having locally.
Since launching in Reading and Wokingham, the app has already sent more than 78 million bin reminders, helping residents recycle more and waste less.
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