Future changes to bin collections
From 2026, households will receive more opportunities to recycle as part of nationwide changes to waste collections.
What is changing?
A weekly food waste collection will be introduced, allowing residents to dispose of unusable and expired food items.
We will also be collecting extra recyclable items such as glass and cartons (Tetra Pak).
As most households will be able to reduce the amount of waste they put in their refuse (general rubbish) bin, the councils will move to a more cost-effective three-weekly refuse bin collection.
What collections will I have?
Households will be provided with four collection services (bins/containers) as standard:
- a three-weekly refuse (general rubbish) collection
- a three-weekly recycling collection for glass, plastics, metal cans/tins and cartons
- a three-weekly recycling collection for cardboard and paper
- a weekly food waste collection
Below is an illustrative example of the new collection schedule
Why are the changes happening?
This is to ensure the councils can meet new government legislation. The legislation aims to make the items collected for recycling consistent across the country and improve national recycling rates.
Will garden waste collections be changing?
No. Garden waste (brown bin) collections will remain an optional, separate charged for service, with collections continuing fortnightly.
When will the changes happen?
During 2026.
Why will you be emptying refuse (general rubbish) bins every three-weeks rather than fortnightly?
On average, nearly 60% of waste that residents currently put in their refuse bins will be able to be recycled instead. This should mean that the bin does not fill up as quickly and needs emptying less often.
In particular food items, which are most likely to cause bins to smell or attract vermin, will be collected via the new weekly food waste collections.
This reduced amount of general rubbish means the councils will be able to move to a more cost-effective three-weekly rubbish bin collection schedule from 2026.
How do you know how much residents put in their bins on average?
Suffolk Recycles periodically takes a representative sample of what is going into people's refuse and recycling bins in Suffolk. You can find the reports on the Suffolk Recycles website.
What if a three-weekly refuse collection will cause me difficulties?
We will be sympathetic to those with exceptional needs on a case-by-case basis, such as those with larger families or with medical needs. We will be able to discuss the matter with the resident and look at alternative solutions.
Further information on exceptions, and how to apply, will be published nearer the time.
What if I don’t have room for extra bins/containers?
As we do currently, we will work with residents to look at alternative solutions, such as using sacks rather than bins.
For clarity, the food waste caddy would be 23 litres, much smaller than a regular bin.
We will also be reviewing bin provisions for flats/communal areas.
Further information will be published nearer the time.
Why will there be two separate recycling collections?
By keeping cardboard and paper separate, instead of mixed in with other recyclable items, ensures it will not be affected or contaminated by other items in the bin. Therefore, improving it's recycling quality and value.
Who is paying for these changes?
The cost of the changes is largely expected to be covered by those producing the waste (for example plastic producers). This will be facilitated by central government as part of legislation called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funding.
What if I already compost my food waste?
That's great! However, home composting is not really suited to things like bones, mouldy bread, pasta and meats. Additionally, not everyone has the space or ability to compost at home.
What will I be able to put in my food waste bin?
- food leftovers/scraps
- meat, fish, and bones
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- bread, pasta and rice
- eggshells and dairy products
- fruit and vegetable peelings
What will happen to the food waste?
The food waste will be taken to an anaerobic digestion facility where the waste is broken down to produce biogas and biofertiliser.
What will happen to the recycling?
Recycling will continue to be taken to the Materials Recycling Facility in Great Blakenham. At the facility, the items are separated, baled and sold onto companies, who can recycle them.
What will happen to the refuse (general rubbish)?
Refuse will continue to be taken to the Energy from Waste Facility in Great Blakenham. We do not currently, and will not be, sending any waste to landfill. At the facility, refuse is burned at high temperatures and used to generate electricity for over 40,000 homes.
Will I be able to recycle plastic film and bags?
The facility to recycle plastic film and plastic bags at home will be introduced a year later in 2027.
Where can I find more information?
Further information will be published as we get closer to the roll out, with information also being sent to households in 2026. You may also wish to read our press release.