Let’s talk rubbish 2026 – tell us what you think of our waste and street cleaning services
30 April 2026
Residents across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are being encouraged to share their views on how rubbish, recycling and street cleaning services are run in their area, via an annual survey.
Whether you think things are working well or could be improved, your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of waste and street cleaning services across both districts.
Last year, more than 2,100 people took part in the 2025 survey, with more than 81 percent of respondents indicating they were satisfied or very satisfied with the waste collection service. As a result of the feedback, staff received extra training to help ensure bins are returned correctly after emptying, further checks were put in place around litter bin emptying and measures put in place ensure street cleaning standards across the area. There has also been increased communication on which items go in which bin, especially around food waste.
A new survey has now launched for 2026, giving residents another opportunity to have their say on everything from household waste and recycling collections to street cleaning and local waste reduction initiatives.
Take part in the 2026 Waste and Street Cleaning Survey now at: southandvale.gov.uk/WasteSurvey
The survey is open until 4 June 2026.
If you have any questions or need the survey in an alternative format (including large print, Braille, audio, Easy Read or other languages), please email waste.team@southandvale.gov.uk or call 01235 422146.
Cllr Sue Cooper, Cabinet Member for Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We want to ensure our waste, recycling and street cleaning services continue to be effective and as easy to use as possible, and one way of doing that is by listening directly to our residents. By taking just a few minutes to complete the survey, you can help us understand what’s working and where we can do better.
“Our main aim is for everyone to create less waste and to reuse items, rather than throwing them away or buying new ones unnecessarily. While we are always aiming to improve our street cleaning, prevention is better than the cure so we always urge residents to take their litter home, where possible, so it can go in the appropriate bin and hopefully be recycled.”
Cllr Robert Clegg, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Waste at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “This is a real opportunity for residents to influence the future of our waste and street cleaning services. We want honest feedback—whether that’s praise for what we’re doing well or ideas for improvement. Good waste collection and street cleaning services are essential to keeping our communities clean and sustainable. Your views will help us target the improvements that matter most to local people.”
This survey focuses on services provided by South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils. It does not cover any questions relating to Household Waste Recycling Centres as these services managed separately by Oxfordshire County Council.
