Birmingham City Council's waste improvement pilot has delivered an estimated 3500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent savings since launching in July, equivalent to removing approximately 1750 petrol cars from the roads for a year.
The pilot currently involves 106,000 households across North Birmingham. Participating households have recycled 1280 tonnes of material and diverted 694 tonnes of food waste away from the Tyseley Energy Recovery Facility.
How the pilot works
The scheme introduces fortnightly residual waste collections alongside expanded recycling and food waste services. By diverting waste from energy recovery, materials are being transformed into new products, renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser.
The changes have also reduced waste collection routes by 20 per cent, improving operational efficiency and service reliability.
Participation and results
Participation rates show residents are embracing the changes to their waste and recycling collection. Councillor Joe Peacock, Deputy Cabinet Member for City Services and Digital, said the early results demonstrate the pilot is "already making a real difference" and that strong household participation shows residents are "keen to play their part in reducing waste and protecting the environment".
The council will continue to listen to residents and use feedback from the pilot to shape future improvements to Birmingham's waste service.
