13 July 2007 Guide

Alternate weekly collections guidance

This guide is intended to help authorities decide whether alternate weekly collection (AWC) is right for them and to draw together, from the experience of other authorities, advice on how to design and implement a scheme which is effective, and which gains and retains the support of local people.

Key points

  • AWC can make kerbside and household collections more effective and efficient, in certain areas
  • AWC’s should be properly researched by local authorities and gain the support of local people

Overview

Over 180 local authorities have now changed their collection systems so that the collection of material for recycling and/or composting alternates on a weekly basis with residual waste for landfill or incineration. These systems, which are diverse in their detailed design, have become known collectively as Alternate Weekly Collections (AWC).

AWC is not appropriate for all authorities and whether to adopt it must be a decision for local councils in the light of their local circumstances and the views of their electors.

This revised guidance from WRAP is intended to help local authorities decide whether AWC is right for them and to draw together, from the experience of other authorities, advice on how to design and implement a scheme which is effective, and which gains and retains the support of local people.

If you have any questions regarding Alternate Weekly Collections, please contact: [email protected].

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