Bin collections reduced as council splits services

Household waste collections are to be made three-weekly and recycling services divided up in an area following a council vote.

Braintree District Council, in Essex, agreed to introduce fortnightly kerbside collections of glass, paper and card from 1 June 2026.

It said the decision followed feedback from more than 7,800 residents during a consultation period.

Conservative councillor Tom Cunningham said: "We know change on this scale will be a challenge, but we also know that most of us would like to see as much recycled as possible."

Under the existing arrangement, refuse workers collect household and food waste, with a paid for collection of garden waste.

But from 1 June 2026, the service will include:

• A weekly food waste collection
• An alternate fortnightly collection of paper and card
• Glass bottles and jars, metals and plastics collected on alternate fortnights
• Three-weekly collection of general waste
• A fortnightly paid for collection of garden waste

Clear sacks used for mixed recycling would be replaced with wheeled bins, the council said.

It hoped the new approach would significantly improve recycling rates and be more cost-effective.

Research by the council found about 40% of household waste could have been recycled under the existing scheme.

The authority said it would offer support for disabled people and those without space for new bins.

Cunningham, the council's deputy leader, said he was aiming to further reduce waste.

"Over the coming year, we'll ensure effective communication to our residents and businesses so you know exactly how the changes will affect you and to minimise disruption," he added.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.