The expanded service began on Monday, October 5.
Residents can now put glass bottles and jars, cartons such as Tetra Pak, and plastic pots such as yoghurt containers in their green recycling boxes.
The scheme is part of Tendring Council’s updated waste and recycling service, run by contractor Veolia under the Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative.
An example collection of the new materials (Image: Tendring Council)
Adrian Smith, councillor responsible for environment, said: “This is simpler for residents – we will now collect more recycling from people’s homes, including glass bottles and jars, cartons and plastic pots.
“Collecting more materials means more recycling and less waste, which is part of our commitment to champion our local environment and ensure residents can take pride in our services, including waste and recycling.”
Households have been given an extra green recycling box to help manage the additional materials, though the council has confirmed that any similar container can be used for collections.
Residents living in flats can also place these items in communal recycling bins, with updated signage planned for those bins in the near future.
The changes have also brought adjustments to collection schedules.
Most Point Clear households will have their collection day moved from Thursday to Tuesday.
Households in Elmstead Market, Frating and Great Bentley will have two consecutive collection weeks covering black bins, green-box items and food waste before returning to the usual alternating schedule.
Recyclable glass can be mixed with other materials in the green box, but residents should keep the weight manageable for collection crews.
Mr Smith said: “This is simpler for residents – we will now collect more recycling from people’s homes, including glass bottles and jars, cartons and plastic pots.”
Broken glass should not be included in recycling, and plastic film will not be accepted until 2027.
Updated recycling calendars and collection-day information are available on Tendring Council’s website.
Residents can also check the council’s website for advice on using the new service and finding their collection day.