Our Commitment
Greater Cambridge Shared Waste (GCSW) is a partnership between Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. We are committed to delivering a high-quality, environmentally responsible waste and recycling service to over 131,000 households across the region.
Our policies and strategies are designed to:
- maximise recycling and resource recovery
- minimise waste sent to landfill
- reduce carbon emissions
- support sustainable development and circular economy principles
- strategic Objectives
We align with the national Waste Hierarchy, prioritising:
- prevention
- reuse
- recycling
- recovery
- disposal
We also support the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership (RECAP) and contribute to the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy, ensuring a coordinated regional approach.
Collection Services
Green bins are emptied ever four weeks in winter (December, January and February)
We operate an alternate weekly collection system:
Black bins: General waste
Blue bins: Mixed recycling
Green bins: Food and garden waste
Our services are tailored to meet the needs of diverse housing types, including flats, Houses of multiple occupation (HMOs), and new developments .
Recycling and Waste Processing
- blue bin recycling is sorted at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Northern Ireland. In 2023–24, 82% of recyclables were processed in the UK, with 100% of plastics staying within the UK
- green bin waste is composted at Thalia Waste Management in Waterbeach and turned into soil conditioner
- black bin waste is managed by Cambridgeshire County Council, the designated waste disposal authority.
Sustainability and Innovation
- we are introducing street litter recycling and exploring underground waste systems in new developments
- our policies are reviewed regularly to adapt to changing environmental goals and community needs
- we prioritise UK-based recycling markets and ensure all exported materials are fully traceable and legally compliant.
Resident Support and Service Standards
Our Household Waste and Recycling Policies and Procedures outline:
- bin collection standards
- assisted collections
- bulky item services
- clinical waste handling
- missed collection protocols
- battery and hygiene waste services
Read Our Household Waste and Recycling Policies and Procedures