On 23 October, Colchester City Council Cabinet met to discuss the Recycling and Waste Strategy for Colchester 2025-2040 and made the decision to introduce the proposed changes.
The strategy sets out a plan to reduce waste and emissions, simplify recycling, and reduce the cost of collection. The strategy has been shaped following a six-week public consultation where residents had their say on proposed plans. More recently, the strategy was discussed at the council’s Scrutiny Panel to ensure it was fit for the community.
Now, the changes that have been proposed in the strategy have been confirmed by the Cabinet. The key changes to Colchester’s Recycling and Rubbish services are:
- Simplifying recycling and waste collections
- Collecting non-recyclable waste in wheeled bins instead of black bags, where possible
- Enabling residents to recycle more, including introducing food waste collections to flats
- Collecting metals, plastics, paper, and card in a separate wheeled bin
- Greater commitment to community engagement and collaboration with residents, businesses, and community groups
- Reducing the vehicle fleet and improving recycling participation rates to contribute to the reduction in carbon emissions.
These changes, and the vision and principles within the strategy, show how the council can modernise Colchester’s recycling and rubbish collection service to ensure it works for its communities, help protect the environment and save resources. It reflects government legislation changes and forms part of the council’s significant Fit for the Future programme of investment and transformation to ensure it has long-term financial resilience.
It also focuses on investing in community initiatives and encouraging people to think about reducing, reusing, and recycling more to protect our environment, and will help the council to meet its aim to be net zero emissions by 2030.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhood Services, and Leisure, said: “Now that Cabinet have confirmed the changes, it’s time to start implementing the Recycling and Waste Strategy 2025-2040 and deliver a cost-effective and efficient service, whilst remaining committed to quality. This involves introducing a simpler system for residents to manage their materials using wheeled bins and recycling boxes.
“We understand some residents are concerned about the size, manoeuvrability, and appearance of wheeled bins. Rest assured, the bins will be as compact and easy to handle as possible, though we recognise they may not suit all locations. A policy and criteria will be in place to manage these areas with a slightly different system.”
Cllr Goss continued: “The Recycling and Waste Strategy is a key framework for the next 15 years, shaped by best practices, data, and feedback from residents. The system will make it easier for residents to manage waste, and the council will also expand the range of recyclables collected, helping residents reduce, reuse, and recycle more. Simplifying the process is critical to improving recycling rates, aligning with government policies, and will reduce the risk of injury in our workforce by minimising the handling of bags and boxes.”
Page last reviewed: 24 October 2024