Council Waste Collection Accessibility Statement

We are committed to ensuring accessible access to our Council Waste Collection information and services. This accessibility statement explains how our waste collection service meets accessibility standards, what to expect from the council regarding inclusion, and how users can request alternative formats. Our aim is to follow WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines so that the local community can use refuse and recycling information with confidence.

Our design and content approach emphasises screen-reader support and clear semantic structure. We use headings, lists, and landmarks to improve navigation for assistive technologies. For keyboard navigation we ensure that interactive controls, links and form elements are reachable in a logical order and visibly focused. Where relevant, we provide text alternatives and descriptive link text so screen-reader users can understand pages about council garbage and recycling collection schedules.

The waste collection service site is tested for common accessibility barriers. Key features include:

• Screen-reader support with meaningful labels and ARIA where necessary.
• Full keyboard operability so users can interact with bins, collections calendars and service notices without a mouse.
• Readable contrast, scalable text and clear visual focus indicators to aid users with low vision.

We also prioritise accessible documents and alternative formats for council waste collection materials. When publishing PDF schedules or downloadable forms for recycling and rubbish collection, we aim to make them tagged and navigable. If a document cannot be made fully accessible immediately, we will provide the information in another accessible format upon request, such as plain text, large print, or an audio version.

Monitoring and Compliance

The council regularly reviews our waste collection pages and tools to maintain compliance with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Our accessibility checks include automated scans and human testing, including keyboard-only navigation and screen-reader walkthroughs. We recognise that automated tools cannot find every issue, so we rely on manual testing and community reports to identify real-world barriers.

There may be occasional content or features related to local council waste collection that do not fully conform. In such cases we will document known limitations, provide a timeline for fixes where possible, and offer temporary workarounds or alternatives to ensure continued service access.

To request an accessibility accommodation for council refuse collection information or services, please contact the council through its published contact channels. We will respond to accessibility requests and arrange reasonable adjustments for service users. Examples of adjustments include:

• Provision of collection schedules in large print or plain text.
• Phone-based guidance for users who cannot access online maps or pages.
• Alternate formats for notifications about changes to the waste collection service.

If you encounter an accessibility barrier in any of the council waste collection pages or tools, please inform the council so we can investigate and resolve the issue. We prioritise rapid remediation of critical barriers that affect the ability to access time-sensitive service information such as missed collection notifications or contamination notices.

We are committed to continuous improvement of our waste collection accessibility. This commitment covers online schedules, booking tools, printable instructions for bin use, and any digital interactions related to local council waste collection. If you need help accessing information about recycling, bulky waste pick-up, or general refuse collection, contact us through the council’s established contact routes and we will work with you to provide the necessary support.