BASILDON Council cabinet members have agreed on proposals to take effect later this year, that will mean the majority of the borough will receive fortnightly collections of non-recyclable waste via wheeled bins.

The council currently collects residents' residual waste weekly in a black sack. Following a public consultation in 2022 with over 5,600 responses, 68% of residents either strongly supported or supported the introduction of a wheeled bin for non-recyclable waste. On 6 December 2022, Cabinet Members agreed to move to wheeled bins.

The council ran a consultation on the frequency of non-recyclable waste collections back in February, with more than 4,000 residents taking part. Of those who took part, 35.5% said they would strongly support or support the introduction of fortnightly wheeled bin collections, and 61.7% said they would strongly support or support the introduction weekly wheeled bin collections.

Residents were also asked whether adjustments to the service should be made for those if a wheeled bin is not suitable, and those who use communal bins. Cabinet Members agreed to retain a weekly collection for those with communal bins, as well as to retain a sack collection in areas which aren't operationally suitable for wheeled bins.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Carbon Reduction, Councillor Kevin Blake, said: "We are working hard to become a carbon net-zero authority by 2030 with a borough target of achieving carbon net-zero status by 2050. Our residents tell us they want to do the right thing with their waste, but still over two thirds of what we send to landfill is recyclable.

"A fortnightly collection of non-recyclable waste will encourage residents to recycle more of their waste via our weekly food and other recycling collections. It should lead to a reduction in the amount of waste produced in our borough, a reduction in the amount of waste going to landfill, and it will help us reach our 65% recycling rate target by 2035.

"It is important to recognise that we must consider residents' views alongside meeting the Government's Environment Act, to help provide the long-term sustainability of the council's waste service. We know it's not one size fits all too – which is why we have made appropriate adjustments available to those who need them – such as residents in flats and those who require additional capacity."

Following last night's Cabinet decisions, it is expected the changes to non-recyclable collections will be implemented in Autumn 2023 alongside changes to recycling collections.