Changes to recycling

Our contract with Biffa Waste for the disposal of dry mixed recycling comes to an end in March 2022. The waste disposal market has changed and companies in the UK and abroad that buy recycling waste now demand much higher quality materials. 

Disposing of dry mixed recycling in one bin creates higher levels of contaminated waste, which means from now on it would cost us much more to dispose of waste in this way. 

Dual-stream recycling, which sees paper and card recycled separately, increases the quality of the recycling collected and is more affordable to dispose of. The improved quality ultimately means more waste can be recycled, rather than being incinerated or sent to landfill.

Our joint teams researched many options and after much consideration and engagement we have chosen to go with the blue bag option. Locally, both Newcastle and Stafford have made the change and the system is working well. Stafford Borough Council has seen recycling contamination rates reduce as a result, meaning fewer loads of recycling are rejected. We also understand other local authorities in Staffordshire are intending to make this move along with us.