Glass collection could be coming to Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham.

Councillor Sophia James, Reading Borough's Council (RBC) lead member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, announced the potential new addition to recycling services in the borough last night (January 28).

She said the council was investigating introducing the service with Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Borough Council.

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Just 12 per cent of local authorities in the UK do not collect glass, according to research by charity Waste & Resources Action Programme, known as WRAP.

Cllr James said: “Alongside our re3 partners at Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough Councils, I can confirm we are beginning the process of investigating the feasibility of a glass collection service.”

“The investigations will initially be reported to the re3 board, later in 2020, and thereafter considered within each council.”

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In 2018-19, Reading recycled or composted 19,534 tonnes of waste – 32 per cent of all its rubbish – according to Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs figures.

Cllr James said RBC is committed to reaching a recycle rate of 50 per cent and has increased recycling rates by five per cent in the last year.

The Labour councillor was responding to Redlands ward Green Cllr Jamie Whitham, who asked at the RBC full council meeting if glass collection could be introduced.

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Cllr Whitham said: “In my ward there is a lot of glass left in front gardens which looks unsightly and can end up going to landfill. Since glass is highly recyclable this is a huge pity.

“Would the council re-consider kerbside glass collection? If not borough-wide perhaps target collection in problem areas?”

Cllr James  said the council has a network of glass recycling banks strategically located across Reading and is focused on introducing its new food waste service later this year.

But she added that the re3 partnership is “committed to exploring the collection of glass.”

Re3 is a waste management partnership between RBC, Bracknell Forest Council and Wokingham Borough Council.