16/08/2026
The 'summer of discontent' with Elmbridge’s bin service continues. My group - the Conservatives, who are the opposition at Elmbridge - have launched a petition calling for compensation (link in the comments).
I spoke with a senior Elmbridge officer this week and got more detail on what’s been happening. In short, last autumn’s fire at the Leatherhead waste plant caused lasting damage. The site stopped processing materials and switched to storing and transferring waste off‑site. By July, they hit capacity and began turning Elmbridge bin trucks away. Crews were forced to travel to Stanwell instead - further away, longer queues - and that’s what triggered the delays we’re all experiencing.
On top of that, the service has been hit by driver sickness, resignations and vehicle breakdowns. A perfect storm. There’s also a national shortage of HGV drivers apparently, if anyone is looking for work. :-)
Food waste, general waste and recycling were prioritised, meaning garden waste slipped. The senior officer told me that “late collections is not failure to collect”, and subscribers will still receive their 26 collections — so the Council is not intending to offer refunds.
Elmbridge has now negotiated limited tipping back at Leatherhead two days a week, which should help slightly. Councillors have also been told that a new waste contractor is being appointed to replace Amey. Conservatives will be asking how the new contractor plans to get the service back on track.
In the meantime, please continue to report missed collections here:
https://www.elmbridge.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling/bins-waste-and-recycling/missed-bin-collection
