People will have the option of still using the existing boxes if they prefer
11:29, 29 Sep 2025Updated 11:31, 29 Sep 2025
The changes could stop rubbish blowing across the street(Image: South Gloucestershire Council)
Reusable recycling bags will be sent to residents in South Gloucestershire to stop rubbish blowing away from the current boxes. Residents can choose whether to carry on using the existing recycling boxes or switch to the new bags instead for plastics, cans and foil.
Homes across the district are given two boxes by the council to separate their recycling into for collection. But they don’t have lids so on a windy bin day rubbish can often get strewn across the street.
The new bags can be sealed at the top to prevent this happening. They will also be weighted, to prevent empty bags blowing away. Details of the upcoming change were revealed in a report to the scrutiny commission, which will discuss the switch on Wednesday (Oct 1).
The report said: “Most residents do not stack recycling boxes to prevent lightweight plastic, cans and foil from escaping during windy weather. Litter escaping from boxes is a common complaint from residents.
“The original decision to stop providing recycling bags was unpopular with many residents and may have impacted on their engagement with using boxes and properly separating their recycling. The cost of purchasing boxes has significantly increased in recent years to more than double the cost of recycling bags.”
Before 2017, recycling was collected every two weeks and residents were given three reusable recycling bags and a box for glass. In 2019, the council chose to stop supplying bags and instead ask residents to use boxes. These were easier and safer for binmen to use, and the previous bags deteriorated or blew away so needed to be replaced every year or so.
But the problem is that many residents in South Gloucestershire don’t correctly separate their recycling. Mixing together the wrong materials means their value is reduced and the council sells them for less. This also means collectors take longer, picking out the wrong materials from boxes. Messages written on the sides of the new bags should make instructions much clearer.
The report added: “Although it is proposed to deliver reusable recycling bags to every household, it will not be mandatory for residents to use them. Residents may continue to use the boxes previously provided if they choose.”
A small trial of the new bags was carried out, however the council isn’t planning to consult the public about the changes. Most of the people in the trial said the bags reduced the amount of rubbish that blew away.
The new bags are likely to be delivered next year, at the same time as the council begins collecting soft plastics from all households in South Gloucestershire. One option not mentioned in the report was providing lids for the existing boxes, as happens over the border in Bristol.