Swindon waste collections face delays amid heatwave challenges

Council prioritises food and general waste as recycling backlog addressed

Author: Alex Lane-KieltykaPublished 18th Jul 2026

Swindon Borough Council's waste collection services are experiencing delays due to the ongoing heatwave contributing to staff absences and exacerbating the national shortage of qualified HGV drivers.

While crews have been prioritising food and general waste, recycling and garden waste collections have seen disruptions.

To manage the backlog, the Council is deploying supervisory staff to aid collection rounds and using crews over the weekend where necessary.

Residents are advised to leave bins at the kerbside if their waste or recycling has not been collected, as crews will return as soon as possible.

In a bid to clear outstanding collections swiftly, priority will be given to urban areas over rural routes in upcoming efforts.

The Council extends gratitude to residents for their understanding and patience during these challenging conditions, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining safety and service continuity.

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