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Residents across Stroud district are being encouraged to make a few simple changes to help waste and recycling crews collect more recycling, more efficiently, as part of Recycle Week 2026.

Throughout the week, Stroud District Council will be sharing practical recycling tips based on feedback from collection crews, highlighting small actions that can make a big difference on collection day.

The campaign focuses on three key messages:

1.     Flatten large cardboard boxes to roughly the size of your recycling box before putting them out for collection.

2.     Place recycling loose in recycling boxes, bins and bags rather than inside plastic bags.

3.     Recycle batteries and vapes safely from home using the council's kerbside collection service.

Large cardboard boxes can quickly fill collection vehicles, meaning crews may need to leave their rounds to empty vehicles more frequently. Flattening cardboard helps maximise space, allowing more recycling to be collected before vehicles need to return to the depot.

Residents are also being reminded that batteries and vapes should never be placed in household refuse or recycling bins. Incorrect disposal can cause fires in collection vehicles and waste facilities, putting crews and equipment at risk.

As part of the council's kerbside service, residents can recycle up to 10 household batteries and five vapes each week. Batteries should be placed in one clear bag and vapes in a separate clear bag, then left on top of the food waste bin lid on collection day.

Keeping recycling loose rather than bundled in plastic bags also helps collection crews identify materials more easily, reducing contamination and helping more materials to be successfully recycled.

Angela Gillingham, Head of Community Services at Stroud District Council, said:

"Our crews work hard every day to collect recycling from thousands of households across the district, and there are a few simple things residents can do that really help.

"Flattening large cardboard boxes, keeping recycling loose and recycling batteries and vapes separately only take a moment, but together these small actions help collections run more smoothly, improve safety and ensure we can recycle as much material as possible.

"Recycle Week is a great opportunity to remind residents that many of us are already doing the right thing. By making a few small improvements to how we present our recycling, we can all help Stroud district recycle more and waste less."

Residents who regularly have more cardboard or paper recycling than will fit in their containers can collect additional recycling boxes free of charge from the council offices at Ebley Mill during opening hours, or arrange for boxes to be delivered to their home for a small charge.

To stay up to date with service changes, collection information and recycling tips throughout the year, people can also sign up for the council’s waste and recycling newsletter 

• Order a new recycling container: www.stroud.gov.uk/orderbin
• Find out about battery recycling: www.stroud.gov.uk/batteries
• Find out about vape recycling: www.stroud.gov.uk/vapes

For social media updates follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

This week brings updates on recycling, local democracy, heritage attractions and opportunities to get involved in your community.

There is no new update on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). We will continue to deliver council services as usual and will keep residents informed of any significant developments. For the latest information about LGR in Gloucestershire, visit: https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/

It's Recycle Week and a chance to celebrate the great work our recycling crews do every day, collecting from thousands of households across the district. There are also a few simple things residents can do to help, including flattening large cardboard boxes and folding or cutting them down to roughly the size of a recycling box, placing recycling loose rather than in plastic bags, and making use of our weekly battery and vape recycling collection service. We'll be sharing tips every day on our social media channels to help residents get the most from their recycling service.

As we mark the International Day of Democracy on 15 September, we're also preparing for the Rodborough District Ward by-election on Tuesday 13 October 2026. Anyone considering standing as a candidate should note that nominations close at 4pm on Wednesday 16 September. Nomination papers must be delivered by hand to Ebley Mill between 10am and 4pm before the deadline. For nomination papers, enquiries and appointment bookings, visit www.stroud.gov.uk/elections.

Anyone interested in working at future elections is invited to visit our mock polling station at Ebley Mill on Tuesday 22 September from 4pm to 6pm to find out more about polling station roles ahead of the 2027 Gloucestershire Council elections.

There is also plenty to explore as part of Heritage Open Days, with free entry to a range of attractions across the district including Woodchester Mansion, Newark Park and Gigg Mill and Dunkirk Mill. Find out more at: https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

Finally, don't forget that Stratford Park Lido remains open until 30 September, weather permitting. The water is still pleasant and there's now a small on-site café serving warming drinks. 

If you'd like to stay informed about local news, events, and activities, now is a great time to subscribe - www.stroud.gov.uk/emailalerts.

Stratford Park Lido has introduced a new timetable and will remain open until 30 September, weather permitting, giving residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the facility this season.

The spring-fed open-air pool reopened in August following extensive repair work to address safety-critical issues and allow the nearly 90-year-old pool to welcome swimmers back for the remainder of the 2026 season. 

New opening times are now in place:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday

• 1.30pm to 2.25pm: Lane swimming
• 2.30pm to 5.30pm: Public swimming
• 5.45pm to 7pm: Lane swimming

Tuesday and Thursday

• 7am to 9am: Lane swimming
• 1.30pm to 2.25pm: Lane swimming
• 2.30pm to 5.30pm: Public swimming
• 5.45pm to 7pm: Lane swimming

Saturday

• 9.30am to 10.55am: Lane swimming
• 11am to 2pm: Public swimming
• 2.30pm to 5.30pm: Public swimming
• 5.45pm to 6.45pm: Lane swimming

Sunday

• 10am to 10.55am: Lane swimming
• 11am to 2pm: Public swimming
• 2.30pm to 5.30pm: Public swimming
• 5.45pm to 6.45pm: Lane swimming

The baby pool and new on-site café and shop will continue to be open during public swimming sessions.

Angela Gillingham, Head of Community Services for Stroud District Council, said: 

"We're delighted that the Lido will remain open until the end of September, giving residents and visitors extra opportunities to enjoy this much-loved community facility. Since reopening, it's been wonderful to see people back in the water and making the most of everything the Lido has to offer. We look forward to welcoming swimmers throughout the extended season, weather permitting."

For the latest timetable information and to book a session, visit the Active Lifestyles website: Stratford Park Lido - Active Lifestyles Stroud District

Advance booking is recommended, although walk-in slots are reserved each session. 

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