FOI release

FOI Request: Simpler Recycling Kerbside Collection of Plastic Plant Pots

Case reference FOI2026/00043

Received 21 July 2026

Published 9 September 2026

Request

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 regarding your authority’s approach to kerbside recycling collections following the introduction of Simpler Recycling requirements.Specifically, I would like to understand your authority’s position on the collection of non-black plastic plant pots as part of household recycling services.Please could you provide responses to the following: 1. Does your authority currently collect non-black plastic plant pots for recycling at the kerbside?(Yes / No) 2. If yes, how long has your authority been collecting non-black plastic plant pots for recycling? 3. If no, does your authority intend to begin collecting non-black plastic plant pots? (Yes / No) * If yes, please provide the expected timeline for implementation. 1. What waste collection or waste management contractor(s) does your authority use for kerbside recycling services? If any part of this request is unclear, please do not hesitate to contact me. If the requested information is not held, please advise accordingly. I look forward to your response within the statutory 20 working days.

Response

Thank you for your enquiry.

Whilst we understand that Oxford City Council has redirected you to us, the policy regarding what materials can and cannot be accepted through the kerbside recycling service is determined by Oxford City Council. ODS provides waste and recycling collection services on behalf of the Council and therefore collects the materials that the Council has specified within its recycling policy.


As such, Oxford City Council may be better placed to answer questions regarding any future changes to accepted recycling materials. If you wish, you may wish to redirect your enquiry back to them.
In response to your questions, we can confirm the following:

1. Does your authority currently collect non-black plastic plant pots for
recycling at the kerbside?

No.

2. If yes, how long has your authority been collecting non-black plastic plant pots for recycling?

Not applicable.

3. If no, does your authority intend to begin collecting non-black plastic
plant pots?

We are unable to answer this, as any decision to change the list of
accepted recycling materials rests with Oxford City Council. We can only
confirm that non-black plastic plant pots are not currently collected
through the kerbside recycling service, and we are not aware whether Oxford City Council intends to change its policy in future.

4. What waste collection or waste management contractor(s) does your authority use for kerbside recycling services?

Oxford City Council's kerbside recycling collections are carried out by ODS on the Council's behalf.

Documents

There are no documents for this release.

This is Oxford Direct Services' response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.