Sustainability and conservation

Why it matters 

Waverley Borough Council’s efforts in sustainability and conservation are crucial for several reasons: 

• Protecting the environment: Reducing emissions and conserving natural habitats helps combat climate change and preserves biodiversity. 

• Enhancing quality of life: Cleaner air, greener spaces, and healthier lifestyles benefit everyone in the community. 

• Preserving heritage: By protecting historic sites and landscapes, we ensure the area's unique character and history are maintained for future generations. 

• Setting an example: The council’s leadership encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to adopt more sustainable practices. 

Great Big Green Week 

We are proudly supporting The Great Big Green Week, the UK’s largest celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature. This annual event brings together residents, local groups, and organisations to raise awareness and inspire action on sustainability and environmental conservation. 

Great Big Green Week 2025 will take place from 7 to 15 June, offering a fantastic opportunity for communities across Waverley to get involved in activities such as repair cafes, litter picks,  climate action workshops, and environmental events. The week encourages everyone to make positive changes, whether by swapping to greener habits, supporting local nature, or reducing carbon footprints. 

Waverley’s commitment to this week aligns with our broader climate emergency declaration in 2019 and ambitious goal to become carbon-neutral by 2030. 

By participating in Great Big Green Week, you can join a nationwide movement to protect the environment, promote sustainable lifestyles, and help build a greener future. 

Recycling and composting 

We actively promote recycling and composting as key ways to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and protect the environment. 

Recycling 

You can recycle a wide range of materials including paper, cardboard, glass, tins, and certain plastics using the blue recycling bins provided at home. The council offers a recycling search tool to help residents understand exactly what can and cannot be recycled locally, ensuring materials are correctly sorted to maximise recycling efficiency. Additionally, there are free collection services for small electrical items and textiles to keep these out of landfill. 

Food waste recycling 

We collect food waste from home once a week. This includes items such as fruit and vegetable peelings, meat, fish, bones, dairy products, tea bags, and coffee grounds. The collected food waste is taken to anaerobic digestion plants where it is converted into fertiliser and biogas, which is used to generate electricity. 

Composting 

Home composting is encouraged as the most environmentally friendly way to manage biodegradable waste. Composting garden waste and suitable food scraps reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill and enriches soil naturally. You can purchase discounted compost bins and food waste digesters from approved suppliers. We offer advice and guidance on composting techniques and troubleshooting to help residents compost effectively at home. 

Garden waste collection 

For garden waste that is not composted at home, we provide a garden waste collection service. You can subscribe or renew your service to have garden waste collected regularly, helping to keep green waste out of general rubbish bins and supporting sustainable waste management. 

Get involved 

Everyone can play a part in building a sustainable future. Whether it’s walking or cycling more, protecting trees, or sharing your views on local policies, your actions make a difference.