BASILDON councillors are to consider the outcome of a recycling trial and plot their next steps next steps following a six-week test of segregated collections for dry recyclables.

They will meet at the Leisure and Environment Committee on Wednesday, 24 November to note the outcome of the trial and select a preferred option for future collection of dry recyclables within the borough, subject to consultation.

They will also be asked to approve a consultation and the procurement of a contract for the collection and processing of mixed dry recyclables.

The trial took place for six weeks involving around 320 properties in Noak Bridge. The model being trialed was chosen by the Waste Member Working Group, which is made up of councillors and aims to meet the requirements of the council's waste strategy and the Government's Environment Bill.

Chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee Cllr Craig Rimmer said: "I would like to thank residents who took part in the trial in Noak Bridge and who came back to us with feedback.

"We are listening and will continue to listen so that we can balance out the preferences of our residents and the changes being made through the Environment Bill and our own waste strategy. This will enable us to run a service that improves recycling quality, reduces our collective environmental impact and ensures value for money."

During the trial residents were asked to separate plastic and cans into a crate, paper and card into a reusable sack.

The results of the trial can be viewed here.