New bin bags will be delivered to residents early next year as a controversial waste system is set to be scrapped.
Basildon Council approved returning to weekly collections and introducing new recycling bags earlier this month after a “huge majority” of residents “demanded” the change during a consultation. The current blue and white reusable recycling sacks will be replaced with single use disposable bags in early 2025, the council has revealed.
As the upcoming changes have sparked a flurry of questions from residents, Aidan McGurran, councillor for environment and leisure, has answered their top queries.
Take it away, Aiden!
Quizzed on how the new recycling bags will work, the Basildon councillor, dubbed “king of the bins”, said: “The disposable blue and white bags will function similarly to the present system, facilitating the separation of waste.
“Clear bags are designated for plastic and cans and blue bags are for paper and cardboard.
”However, Mr McGurran explained: “You will not be able to use pink sacks for recycling, residents are asked to please use the new bags that will be provided.”
Clear as mud. One thing IS clear though - the council expects you to sort the rubbish for them.
The borough is returning to weekly residual waste collections, with the change set to take place in spring 2025.
What have they had up to now?
The proposal was approved at cabinet on Monday, December 9, following feedback from residents in the recent waste consultation. The meeting was told at the time that residents could be hit with “enforcement” for not disposing of waste correctly, as the council is now “going to equip people with the actual tools necessary to do the job”.
And how have the grateful residents taken the news?
Sounds about right.
