January 14th, 2026.



Residents across Lewes district will begin receiving their new waste and recycling collection calendars over the coming weeks, ahead of the introduction of alternate weekly collections from the 9th of February.

The move is designed to boost recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste sent for incineration. This approach is said to encourage residents to think more carefully about what goes into each bin.

Under the new system, recycling and non-recyclable refuse will be collected on alternating weeks, while food waste will continue to be collected weekly using the council’s fleet of electric vehicles.

The change brings Lewes District Council in line with the rest of East Sussex and the majority of councils across England.

Councillor Wendy Maples, Lead Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said: “This is a really positive step for our district. By moving to alternate weekly collections, we’re joining councils across the country who have already seen big improvements in recycling. Every extra item we recycle helps reduce our environmental impact and supports a more sustainable future for everyone."

To support the transition, drop-in events have been running and are continuing during January and February, where residents can pick up a food waste recycling kit and meet council officers who will answer any questions:

Peacehaven Town Council, Welcome Café between 10am and 1pm, 26 Jan, 9 Feb and 23 Feb

Lewes Climate Hub, Lewes House, 12 – 2pm, 5 Feb and 5 March

Nevill Residents Association, Hill Down Road, 7pm-9.30pm, 9 Feb

Bishopstone Friends Group, Bishopstone Station, 11am-1pm, 16 Feb

Seaford Town Council, 37 Church Street, 9am – 12noon, 28 Jan, 11am – 2pm, 18 Feb

Further drop-in events will be scheduled soon.

Residents can find full details of what can be recycled, order food waste starter kits, or download a digital copy of their calendar at www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/awc