Residents in the London Borough of Sutton can now use the council’s version of WasteWorks to book a collection for small items, such as batteries and coffee pods.
We launched Sutton’s WasteWorks service in 2022, providing residents and contact centre staff with an easy way to access waste services associated with a property’s address online.
Initial functionality comprised self-service bin day checks, problem reports and new bin requests, as well as garden waste subscriptions and payments – all facilitated by API integration with the Selected Interventions Echo in-cab system and payment provider Barclaycard.
Subsequent development work has enabled residents to also use WasteWorks to make bookings for bulky waste collections. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, other work has involved a migration of Sutton’s WasteWorks to a new version of Echo and a change of payment provider to Capita Pay360.
Small items collections
As with any functionality built into WasteWorks, the small items collections booking service has been adapted around Sutton’s individual requirements and operational processes.
Users can select from a list of items included in the service and book a time slot according to availability, the data for which is shared through the integration with Echo. A photograph and/or text description of the location where the item(s) will be left for collection can be optionally provided.
Each request created via WasteWorks is automatically sent into Echo once the booking has been confirmed for staff and contractors to manage directly. Email notifications are sent to users to confirm their booking and to act as a reminder of the upcoming collection.
Within specified timeframes, users can also cancel a booking for a small item collection or report that a collection has been missed from within the same workflow. Cancellations or missed collection reports are shared directly to Echo and corresponding updates or confirmations returned to the user automatically via email.
Paul Brockwell, Head of Waste and Street Cleaning at London Borough of Sutton, said: “In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability and a circular economy, the London Borough of Sutton proudly unveiled its new bookable small items recycling collection service in October 2025. This initiative empowers residents with a convenient and efficient way to recycle small electrical items, textiles, and batteries, directly contributing to the council’s ambitious goals of enhanced recycling and resource recovery.
“The introduction of this service marks a pivotal moment in Sutton’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more sustainable community. By providing an accessible and user-friendly system for the collection of these specific waste streams, the council aims to divert a substantial volume of material, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting the re-use of valuable resources. This service is a testament to Sutton’s dedication to creating a truly circular economy, where waste is minimised and resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
“This achievement would not have been possible without the invaluable partnership and tireless dedication of SocietyWorks. Their exceptional expertise in developing and refining the WasteWorks platform proved instrumental in facilitating the seamless integration and operation of this fantastic new service. The WasteWorks platform provides the digital infrastructure that enables residents to easily schedule collections, track their requests, and access information, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all users.
“The London Borough of Sutton is confident that this new service will build upon its already impressive recycling rate, further solidifying its position as a leading borough in environmental stewardship. The ability for residents to conveniently schedule collections for these often-overlooked small items is expected to significantly increase participation in recycling efforts, ultimately leading to a greener and more sustainable future for the entire borough. This service is not just about waste collection; it’s about empowering residents to actively participate in building a more resilient and environmentally conscious community.”
Angela Dixon, Managing Director at SocietyWorks, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work in partnership with the team at the London Borough of Sutton on this functionality. We are proud to offer a service like WasteWorks that is capable of adapting to councils’ changing needs as and when they are ready, creating sustainable digital transformation.”