![\"Castle](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3_bins.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSome residents have criticised the change<\/p>\n
Castle Point Borough Council has made changes to its recycling scheme<\/p>\n
A new recycling scheme in Castle Point has left residents confused and frustrated. The council has launched a new scheme, which involves using different coloured bin bags for specific recycling materials.<\/p>\n
The scheme, which also impacts residents on different bin collection days, has already begun. Castle Point Borough Council has notified residents of the change, with different recycleable materials being disposed of in different colour-coded bags.<\/p>\n
Under the changes, paper and card are to be collected in council-provided blue bin bags, glass remains in a yellow or green box, and all other recycling materials should be disposed of in pink bags– now including soft plastics, and plastic films.<\/p>\n
Castle Point Borough Council outlined the reasons behind the change. They announced online: “We are making changes to household recycling collections as part of the government\u2019s new ‘Simpler Recycling’ requirements.<\/p>\n
“To meet the new national requirements, we are introducing a separate collection service for paper and card via blue sacks. We will continue to provide recycling sacks free of charge, with deliveries being made directly to homes across the borough before the new service begins.”<\/p>\n
The new scheme has left some residents unclear on how the change will impact their bin collection. Online feedback for the changes has resulted in some residents unclear on the new system.<\/p>\n
One person wrote online: “What exactly is going in these blue bags is it just plain cardboard and plain paper, as most cardboard these days have print on them! What goes in what now.”<\/p>\n
Others have questioned the reasoning behind the changes. A resident wrote online: “So technically you make the same amount of waste for one bag but separate it into two bags, Pink & Blue? So we will have to use twice as many bags on average?”<\/p>\n
Criticising the change, another said: “It’ll all end up in a black bag by the end of it. Just another way to boost council tax, complete waste of resources and time.”<\/p>\n
One resident informed the council they will not be following the changes. They wrote online : “I\u2019m gonna keep putting it in pink bags. If that\u2019s not good enough then it\u2019s all going in black bags. Pay enough council tax so I expect you to to sort the rubbish out as it\u2019s part of the service i pay you for. Thanks.”<\/p>\n
Meanwhile another called out Castle Point Borough Council, saying: “Deal with the overspend. Do NOT add to it but adding another scheme.” The council recently announced a \u00a34.5 million forecasted overspend.<\/p>\n
Councillor Michael Fuller, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “The changes to household recycling collection in Castle Point are a part of the Government’s new Simpler Recycling requirements, which are being introduced across the country.<\/p>\n
“As a part of these changes, many residents will soon use blue sacks for paper and card, while soft plastics and plastic film can now be recycled through the existing pink sack service.<\/p>\n
“Separating paper and card from other recyclable materials helps improve the quality of recycling collected and increases the amount that can be successfully processed and reused. This provides our residents with the opportunity to recycle more and minimise waste, which contributes to the circular economy.<\/p>\n
“We recognise that any changes to a long-established service can take time for people to adjust to, which is why we\u2019re enacting a phased approach and worked hard to keep resident informed throughout the rollout.<\/p>\n
“Information has been provided through leaflets with the new sack delivery, community drop-in sessions, our website FAQs, our social media channels and local advertising both digitally and out-of-home.<\/p>\n
“These changes will help us deliver a more effective recycling service, reduce waste, and help create a cleaner, more sustainable Castle Point.”<\/p>\n