From June, Babergh, Mid Suffolk and East Suffolk councils will switch from fortnightly to three‑weekly bin collections.

The overhaul is linked to the Simpler Recycling legislation, which takes effect this year and will be implemented by all three authorities from June.

Here is all you need to know about a new recycling scheme across Suffolk.

What is the new scheme?

The government has said the Simpler Recycling scheme will “enable consistent, more streamlined collections” and will be a “simplifying” of the current rules.

Babergh, Mid Suffolk and East Suffolk councils agreed on a new separate weekly food waste collection service, three-weekly rubbish bin collections, and a twin-stream recycling model in September 2024.

In October 2024 West Suffolk Council agreed at an extraordinary meeting to add a brand-new weekly food waste collection while retaining collection of household waste every two weeks. 

It means those living under those councils will be supplied with either an additional wheelie bin or other container to separate paper and card from plastics, metal, cartons and glass bottles or jars. 

Adaptations will be made where new recycling bins are not able to be accommodated.

The scheme has been introduced to help councils recycle more items.

In addition, analysis of general waste bin contents shows about 60% could be recycled using a combination of current kerbside services and the new recycling services that are being introduced.

Councils have said they will work with residents on a case-by-case basis if they have specific needs.

The scheme launches in June (Image: West Suffolk Council)

When does it start?

The recycling bins began arriving at homes across west Suffolk on Monday, February 23.

Food waste caddy deliveries, totalling 160,000 units, will be handled by west Suffolk waste teams and will begin on Monday, March 9, following the same three-phase approach.

All other councils will deliver the bins and waste collection caddies between February and May, with East Suffolk starting to distribute them at the beginning of February.

Detailed information packs and a collection calendar will be sent to all homes prior to the new service commencing.

When does the scheme launch?

Once delivered, residents are asked not to use the new bins until the scheme officially launches in June 2026.

Households are also encouraged to clearly label their new bins or caddies with their house number or name.

The council aims to offer support to households who may need help adjusting to the changes, including older residents or those with mobility difficulties.

All homes will be sent a collection calendar (Image: Newsquest)

Why is the scheme happening?

David Taylor, cabinet member for operations at West Suffolk Council, said: “Better Recycling is an exciting opportunity for us all to reduce our general waste and increase the amount we recycle.

“By collecting recycling in separate containers, already sorted, it will improve the quality of materials collected.

“This means more of it can be reprocessed to make new products, reducing carbon emissions and helping build environmental resilience.

“We understand that change can be daunting and we will be supporting residents during the transition to the new service and helping anyone who requires additional assistance.

“Prior to the start date, households will receive a detailed information pack and calendar with more guidance and advice.”

What is happening in each council?

West Suffolk: Those living in areas under West Suffolk Council are set to receive new green-lidded recycling bins and two food waste caddies, in preparation for the new Better Recycling service.

The programme aims to boost recycling rates and help the county meet new government recycling standards.

Under the scheme, people will be able to recycle glass, cartons, and plastic film and bags from the kerbside for the first time, with food waste collected separately every week.

East Suffolk: New wheelie bins and food waste caddies are being distributed across east Suffolk between February and May.

The introduction of a new wheelie bin for households to put paper and card in comes as part of the government’s Better Recycling initiative.

The additional 240-litre wheelie bin – which will be grey with a green lid – will be supplied to all households to separate paper and card from plastics, metal, cartons (including Tetra Pak) and glass bottles or jars.

The deliveries are expected to be completed in May after East Suffolk Council ordered new bins for all 120,000 homes in the district.

A detailed information pack and collection calendar is due to be distributed to all households in May, ahead of the new service starting in June.

In 2025, West Suffolk Council launched a new recycling service (Image: West Suffolk Council)

Babergh and Mid Suffolk: Households will have more opportunities to recycle as part of nationwide changes to waste collections.

These changes include:

a new weekly food waste collection service – allowing residents to dispose of unusable and expired food items.

extra items will be accepted in the recycling collection – including glass, cartons, and plastic bags, wrappings and films.

a separate collection for paper and card.

a new three-weekly collection schedule.

The food waste containers and extra bin will be delivered to households between February and May 2026.

People in Babergh will be delivered a green-lidded paper and card bin and the current blue bin will become the recycling bin for glass, plastics, metal, and cartons.