In the news: New waste service launching this autumn

Distribution will begin mid-September and every household will receive a 180-litre black wheeled bin for non-recyclable residual waste. The two-weekly collection will replace your weekly black sack service. We are introducing black wheeled bins to significantly increase the amount of waste in the borough being recycled and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Households will also receive two reusable sacks - one white for plastics and cans and the other blue for paper and cardboard, which will replace your weekly pink sack service. The new reusable sacks, which are collected every week, will separate recycling to meet new government legislation, and are carefully designed to not only secure your waste effectively but also to be durable and sustainable, ensuring long-lasting benefits for our environment.

Councillor Kevin Blake, Cabinet Member for Environment, Carbon Reduction and Waste Enforcement said "I am pleased we have made the decision to introduce black wheelie bins and reusable sacks - the new services aims to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfill by 25%, a massive reduction in the amount of emissions the borough produced by its waste. This will be a massive step towards reaching the Council's 65% recycling rate target by 2035.

"Residents told us they were in favour of wheelie bins during consultations in summer 2022 and winter 2023. The new containers will reduce the amount of litter on our streets through reducing split bags, and will encourage residents to change behaviour and recycle their waste. If residents recycle all they can, there should be very little left to go to landfill.

"The larger reusable sacks eliminate the need for single-use pink plastic bags. These reusable sacks are designed to stay grounded, reducing the risk of litter and promoting a greener environment. This removes 10 million single use plastic bags from production every year. We will keep residents updated on their new containers and how to use them ahead of launch in November."

Residents are being asked to store their new bin until the new service begins. Waste and recycling services remain the same until Monday 27 November 2023.

There are no additional charges for this service.

Find out more here https://www.basildon.gov.uk/collectionchanges.

Regular information will be shared in the coming months - stay up to date by signing up to our free email newsletter at www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch

For updates and reminders on your waste and recycling service, download the free Our Streets Basildon App www.basildon.gov.uk/ourstreets

Ends

Published 21 August 2023