RESIDENTS in Basildon are being reminded by Essex County County Council they still have the chance to have an input into the county's waste strategy.

The council has drafted a new strategy for managing recycling and waste in Essex over the next 30 years. Now, it is are inviting residents to say what they think about it.

A statement from the council says: "The new, draft strategy sets out how the council can protect the environment and conserve resources. It is focused on reducing waste, as well as reusing, recycling and recovering everything we can from resources and materials.

"This will ensure we are getting the most value out of them and minimising any impact on the environment."

Chairman of the Essex Waste Partnership and Essex County Council's Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, Cllr Peter Schwier, said:

"This is an important document which will influence the future of waste management in Essex for the next 30 years. It sets out how we can build on the positive progress we have already made as a county. We also want to go even further for the benefit of residents, businesses and the environment.

"We believe what we are proposing is not only vital to addressing the significant pressures of climate change, but it will also save money for taxpayers and public services in the long-term. However, we haven't made any final decisions. We're here to listen to what residents and businesses have to say about the draft strategy and use what they tell us to inform the final version."

The joint strategy is being shared on behalf of the Essex Waste Partnership. This includes the county and 12 district, city and borough councils in Essex including Basildon.

The consultation is open until Wednesday 22 November. Don't waste the chance to have your say.

If you need support completing the consultation, call 0345 6037625.