Telford and Wrekin expands kerbside recycling to include food and drink cartons
> From 31st March, Telford and Wrekin residents will be able to recycle their food and drink cartons in the purple top bin.
> The service update has been introduced by Telford & Wrekin Council in collaboration with the borough’s recycling and waste partner, Veolia, to meet new Simpler Recycling legislative requirements.
Telford & Wrekin Council, in partnership with Veolia, is pleased to announce a significant improvement to kerbside recycling for residents. From 31 March 2026, residents will be able to recycle all food and drink cartons by placing them directly into their purple top bin.
Food and drink cartons - such as those used for long-life milk, oat milk, fruit juice, soups, stocks and sauces - will be collected for recycling along with cans, glass, and plastic. Residents can alternatively continue to take cartons to Hortonwood and Halesfield Household Recycling Centres for recycling.
This development aims to make recycling more convenient for residents across the borough, whilst ensuring compliance with the government’s new Simpler Recycling guidelines.
Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning & Sustainability, said: “This is a really positive development that supports our commitment to protecting our natural environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We know that our residents care about this too and the expansion of our kerbside collection offer means it’s easier than ever for everyone to play their part"
Jeff Sears, Regional Director for Veolia, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Telford & Wrekin Council to offer residents a kerbside collection option for food and drink cartons. This change will support compliance with new Simpler Recycling legislation, helping to drive the circular economy and ensure a sustainable future for everyone.
“Once collected in the purple top bin, the cartons will be sorted and separated at our Materials Recovery Facility and sent onwards to be recycled into new products.”