James Mallinder, who represents Deben ward, raised the issue at Wednesday’s full council meeting, warning that households could face further frustration if plans are not put in place ahead of the festive period.
Mr Mallinder said Christmas inevitably creates “a dramatic spike in packaging, cardboard and food waste”, placing extra pressure on collection services.
Cllr James Mallinder (Image: East Suffolk Council)
“If the council does not plan ahead effectively, our streets end up cluttered with overflowing bins,” he said.
“Residents pay their council tax expecting a reliable, well-communicated service.”
The councillor asked what additional collection arrangements, community drop-off facilities or other measures would be introduced to help residents cope with the increase in waste over the festive period.
Some residents found that their bins started to smell after not being collected. (Image: Submitted)
The questions come after months of disruption linked to the rollout of East Suffolk Council’s Better Recycling scheme, which prompted complaints about missed collections, delayed bin deliveries and overflowing bins.
However, cabinet member for the environment Sally Noble rejected suggestions that special festive arrangements were needed, telling councillors she was “baffled” by the question.
She said the council had not provided additional Christmas collections in previous years and argued households now had more capacity thanks to the new recycling system.
Cllr Sally Noble (Image: East Suffolk Council)
Earlier in the meeting, councillors were told recycling rates had risen significantly following the introduction of the scheme, increasing from 44.7% in August 2025 to 56.2% this year. Councillor Paul Ashton also said the service had “stabilised”, with the majority of bins being collected on their scheduled date and only 2% missed last week, with those collections completed the following week.
The council further insisted residents now have more room in their bins because more recyclable material is being taken away separately.
Cllr Paul Ashton (Image: East Suffolk Council)
Despite those assurances, Mr Mallinder said residents remained concerned after months of disruption and called for clearer communication ahead of Christmas.
“Having previously been cabinet member for the environment, I know the challenges the festive period can bring,” he said.
“The council must provide clear, proactive solutions rather than relying entirely on residents to transport excess waste themselves.”
He added that he would continue pressing the authority for a clear festive waste strategy and advance notice of any collection changes.
The debate comes just days after councillors voted against a proposal to provide residents with a small council tax rebate in recognition of the disruption caused by the Better Recycling rollout.