BIG changes to bin and recycling collections in South Gloucestershire will begin in August, the council has said.
Most residents will have a new collection day for black bins and some will have green and black bins collected on different days.
The changes are part of a new eight-year waste contract agreed with private operator SUEZ last year, which will lead to black bins being collected every three weeks instead of every fortnight.
Date for 3-weekly bin collections confirmed
South Gloucestershire Council has confirmed today that the three-weekly black bin collections will begin in May next year.
The council says that around 85% of residents will have a new collection day for black bins and recycling from August.
It will post a printed guide to households next month, with details of the changes and the new collection dates.
A council spokesperson said: “A new monitoring system will track how the service is performing.
“A new council app will help residents check their collection calendar, get recycling advice and set collection reminders.
“Residents who use Alexa devices will be able to ‘ask Alexa’ to find out more about their collections.”
More soft plastic collections
The council says that when three-weekly black bin collections start next year, soft plastic recycling, which includes wrappers and plastic bags, will be rolled out to all households.
Recycling and food waste will still be collected weekly, with food waste collections extended to include flats.
A free fortnightly subscription collection service for nappies and other absorbent hygiene products will also be launched.
The new contract will also see new black bin vehicles introduced in a bid to reduce carbon emissions on rounds.
Sort It recycling centres and waste disposal will be taken back under council control.
The authority says the aim of the changes is to “improve the efficiency and value for money of collections”.
Council cabinet member for recycling and waste, Sean Rhodes, said: “Our waste contract has changed, and with this change comes increased recycling options, more efficient and environmentally friendly collections, and ultimately better value for money.
“By taking over the Sort It centres and disposal facilities, the council will be able to retain more of the income from reclaimed materials, helping to offset some of the costs of waste collection.
“As we change over to the new system, this will likely mean changes to collection days.
“We understand that change can be challenging, so to help residents manage their waste during the transition, we’re producing a handy guide which will explain the changes and include the new collection dates.”
For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/recycling.
Picture: South Gloucestershire black bin collection lorry. Picture: South Gloucestershire Council