Reducing waste collection enquiries with better digital services

Waste collection is always one of the topics generating the most enquiries for local authorities, so it's a key area of focus for councils looking for ways to improve efficiency and improve experience for end users. The LocalGov Waste Collection module for LocalGov Drupal is one part of the solution for many councils, giving them a user-friendly interface that allows residents to:

• Search for their property using their postcode
• Select their address from search results
• View their upcoming waste collection schedule
• Download their schedule as a calendar file or PDF
• Access a print-friendly version of their schedule

Working with what you've already got

One of the best things about this module is that it doesn't force you to rip up your existing systems. Instead, it's built with a flexible plugin approach that works with whatever waste management system you're already using.

We've included support for several different data sources straight out of the box. If you're using Whitespace Waste Management, there's a plugin that connects directly to their API. Don't have an API? No problem - you can import your data from CSV files instead. There's even a plugin being developed for Webaspx (Routeware) systems.

This means you're not locked into one particular way of doing things. The module adapts to fit your council's setup, rather than forcing you to change everything to accommodate new software.

Making life easier for residents

We've all been there - trying to remember which bin goes out when, or frantically checking the council website at 6am because we've heard the bin lorry coming. The module tackles these everyday frustrations head-on.

The next collection date is shown prominently at the top, so there's no hunting around for the information people actually want. Different waste types are colour-coded, making it easy to see at a glance what's being collected when. And because nobody wants to miss a collection due to bank holidays, the module automatically checks the government's holiday API and highlights when collections might be affected.

Perhaps most helpfully, residents can download their collection schedule directly to their phone or computer calendar. No more trying to remember dates or keeping scraps of paper with collection information.

Built by councils, for councils

This isn't a solution that's been dreamed up in isolation. The module was developed with funding from Dumfries and Galloway Council, with additional plugin development supported by Westmorland and Furness Council. This means it's been shaped by people who actually understand the day-to-day challenges of running waste collection services.

When you're dealing with thousands of enquiries about bin collections, you need something that genuinely makes life easier for both residents and council staff. That's exactly what this module delivers.

Getting the technical stuff right

Behind the scenes, the module handles all the complicated technical work so you don't have to worry about it. It validates postcodes properly, manages user sessions securely, and creates those downloadable calendar files in the right format.

The search functionality is robust enough to handle the variations in how people might enter their postcodes, and the address selection process guides residents through to find exactly the right property. Everything's been designed to work smoothly without requiring residents to understand how the system works.

What this means for your council

If you're already using LocalGov Drupal, adding waste collection functionality is straightforward. The module integrates seamlessly with the platform you're already familiar with, and because it uses a plugin system, it can be configured to work with your existing waste management setup.

For councils looking to reduce the number of phone calls and emails about bin collections, this represents a practical solution that residents will actually use. It's the kind of digital service that makes people's lives a bit easier - and that's always worth investing in.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need to change our existing waste management system? No, the module is designed to work with your current setup through its plugin architecture. Whether you're using Whitespace, managing data through CSV files, or using another system, there's likely a way to integrate it.

Can residents use this on their mobile phones? Yes, the module is built to work responsively across all devices, so residents can check their collection schedules whether they're at home or out and about.

What happens when there are bank holidays? The module automatically checks the UK government's holiday API and can highlight when collections might be affected by public holidays.

How do residents download their schedules? They can download their collection schedule as an ICS calendar file (which works with most calendar apps) or as a PDF, depending on what your council provides.

Is this only for LocalGov Drupal websites? Yes, this particular module is designed specifically for councils using the LocalGov Drupal platform.