Use Alexa to Manage Your Refuse Collection!

Stratford District Council have created an Alexa Skill that can be used on Amazon devices that are enabled with Alexa.

The skill is called Ask Stratford District Council and is free of charge, but you do need an Alexa enabled device and an Amazon account to use it.

The skill covers the Recycling and Waste service, and you can ask questions such as:

  • Alexa, Ask Stratford District Council: When is my recycling collected?
  • Alexa, Ask Stratford District Council: Can I recycle (then say the item)?

At the moment, the Amazon smart speaker is the only system we are working with. The skill is currently not available under Google Home or Apple HomePod.

Setting up and using the Alexa skill

Residents of Stratford-on-Avon district can now use their Amazon Echo device to find out information about our recycling service. For example, when their recycling collections are due.

To use the skill, it needs to be enabled first. This can be done in a number of ways:

  • Via the Alexa App on your smart device. The Alexa App can be downloaded free of charge from the Play/Apple store.
  • From the Amazon website
  • By saying “Alexa, enable Stratford District Council” to your Echo device.

To use some of the skills functions, you will need to access the skill settings via the Alexa App.

Once the skill is enabled, you can use either the Alexa device or App to ask questions by saying:

Alexa, ask Stratford District Council

  • When is my recycling collected?*
  • How do I recycle (item or material)?
  • Tell me about the Green Waste collection?
  • What can I place in my recycling bin?
  • What can I place in my green bin?
  • How much is a bulky waste collection?

*requires your address details to be in the Alexa App

Please remember to use the phrase “ask Stratford District Council” after saying Alexa.

Privacy

The Alexa skill was made in conjunction with Cloud 9 Technologies. Their privacy policy  can be viewed on their website.

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