Too Many Bins? Essex Council's Recycling Plan Sparks Outcry

Braintree Council in Essex is implementing a significant change to its waste collection services, introducing new wheelie bins for recyclables starting in June. Households will receive a blue-lid bin for glass, cartons, plastic bottles, and bags, alongside another bin for cardboard and paper. This expansion of recycling services aims to divert more waste from landfill and incineration, supporting the council's climate aspirations and working towards the national goal of recycling 65% of household waste by 2035. Currently, Braintree recycles 46.9% of its waste, below the target.

The new system means most households will have four bins, a change that has raised concerns about space limitations. Resident Sylvia Thorogood expressed that the new bins are impractical for homes with small gardens. In conjunction with the new recycling bins, general waste will be collected every three weeks, a reduction from the current fortnightly schedule. Food waste collection, a legal requirement across England since March 31, will remain weekly. Despite resident appeals, the council has stated that properties are expected to accommodate the new receptacles.

In contrast, Basildon Council has moved towards more frequent collections, reinstating weekly bin pickups after a previous system of six separate recycling containers caused public dissatisfaction. Basildon now offers one general waste bin and two plastic sacks for recycling, alongside food waste and garden waste services. Neighbouring Chelmsford already utilizes six different bins per household. The changes in Braintree reflect a broader effort by local authorities to manage waste more effectively and meet environmental targets.