Changes to recycling

How we collect recycling is changing

We need to change the way we collect and dispose of recycling. 

This is because the companies that recycle waste are now checking and undertaking tests on every vehicle load and they will reject loads that are not separated correctly.

Rejections can cost our councils over £1000 per vehicle load so the need to split paper and card from other recycling is now vital.

A blue bag for paper and card

A new, blue bag will be issued to the majority of homes in the coming weeks, starting in April 2022.

Paper and card only should be placed in these bags. 

Glass, cans and recyclable plastics should continue to be  placed into the current blue bins.

Start date

As soon as you have received your bag or bin you must start to use it for paper and card only.

Put the blue bag out at the same time as you put out your blue bin and they will be collected together.

Blue bag description

The new reusable blue recycling bags are sturdy, hard wearing and they have a weight in the base so should not fly around in the wind.  Crews will aim to place/trap them under the lid of your blue bin once both bin and bag have been emptied. We recommend putting your house number on your blue bin and bag to help with this. 

We have chosen to use the blue bags for paper and card, rather than the rest of the recycling (such as glass, cans and plastics), because it is safer for our crew to carry the bags and empty them. If glass were in the bags it could break and be very heavy, which is why the heavier items will remain in the blue bins. 

Purple bins

Homes in rural areas, in difficult to reach locations, or on a route that includes these, will not receive a blue bag. Instead they will receive a new purple bin.

This is because the smaller vehicles required to reach these places cannot collect using the bags.

If you are affected you will receive a letter directly to your home.

Collection frequency for purple bins

For those homes with purple bins, your collection will alternate each fortnight.

Your blue bin will be collected on one fortnight and your purple bin will be collected the following fortnight.

You will receive a letter directly to your home advising you of the changes. Plus you will receive a leaflet and calendar with the bin.

If you have a question about the service and the information isn’t below, please email our shared waste service

Communal bins at flats

We will be carrying out assessments on all the communal properties to plan the best way forward for them.

Changes to collection day

10% of homes will have a change to the collection day or collection pattern to accommodate the new system. If you are affected you will be advised by letter to your home.