A BOROUGH-wide consultation has launched to seek residents' views on the current waste and recycling service run by Basildon Council, and possible future changes. 

The consultation follows a commitment made by councillors at Cabinet on Thursday, 18 July, and subsequent formal discussions with Essex County Council. 

The consultation is available online – basildonwaste.commonplace.is. Residents can also complete the survey by visiting the main reception at the Basildon Centre. Alternatively, residents can call the council on 01268 533333 to complete a copy of the survey, where staff will be on-hand to provide support over the phone. Waste Roadshows will also take place across the borough for residents to learn more about and complete the consultation. 

Basildon Council is committed to providing efficient and sustainable waste and recycling collection services across the borough. 

The new consultation, first announced by new Labour leader Gavin Callaghan, could mean the council sdpending up to £3 million if it opts for change.

The council says change will 'will ensure we can continue to meet our community's needs, while managing service delivery costs and adhering to environmental best practices'.

The consultation will inform the final proposals for waste collections, which will be presented to the Cabinet for approval later in the year. 

Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: "We know that many of our residents have very strong views on the current service offer because they have been telling us, but this is now their chance to shape how we move forward.

"When we were elected to lead Basildon Council back in May we committed to residents that we would fix the bins. We have moved as quickly as we are able to launch this consultation and get things moving.

"This consultation is residents' opportunity to have their voices heard on what is and isn't working for them, or what they would like to see more of. We want to hear from as many people as possible. All responses will be considered before proposals are presented to Cabinet later this year.

"The last administration carried out a consultation but then went ahead with fortnightly black bin collection that residents had made clear they didn't want. We won't be making that mistake. This will be a genuine consultation." 

The consultation will run for a period of eight weeks, closing on 29 September 2024.