Gloucestershire is confronting a significant challenge in its waste management, with over 2,500 tonnes of recyclable materials rejected during the 2022/23 period due to contamination. Common issues include unwashed food containers, greasy pizza boxes, and items incorrectly placed in kerbside collections, necessitating their removal at sorting facilities. To address this, a renewed emphasis on public education regarding thorough cleaning of recyclable items is crucial, as highlighted by sustainability advocate James Piper.
Gloucestershire County Council is implementing initiatives to improve waste management efficiency. As of October 2024, nearly half of the county's waste was directed to the Javelin Park facility near Stonehouse for electricity generation. The county's recycling rate for 2022/23 was 52.9%, which compares favorably to the England average of 43.4% for the same period. In a related move to boost recycling and manage funding, South Gloucestershire Council will reduce black bin collections to once every three weeks starting in 2026, following the conclusion of a 25-year waste contract in August 2025. This measure is part of a broader strategy to encourage greater recycling efforts.
Meanwhile, Oxford High School has announced its impending closure due to substantial financial difficulties. Despite efforts to find a merger or acquisition, the school, which had 368 pupils against a capacity of 540, could not overcome its financial challenges. The closure is attributed to several factors, including the introduction of VAT on school fees, increased National Insurance contributions, the removal of business rates relief for independent schools, and escalating operational costs. These pressures have led to a decline in pupil numbers, making the school unsustainable.
The school is committed to supporting its students and staff through this transition, assisting families in securing alternative educational placements within Oxfordshire and managing the redundancy process for staff. A government spokesperson indicated that approximately 50 independent schools close annually due to financial pressures and standards issues, with local authorities typically providing support to affected families and students. The introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees from January 2025 is projected to impact the sector significantly, with estimates suggesting around 37,000 pupils may leave the private sector. This policy, alongside other rising costs, is considered a critical factor contributing to the financial strain on independent schools, with over 50 having announced closures in the current year alone.