Changes to waste collections from June 2026

Following detailed planning, five options were considered after the December Cabinet decision. These are explained in the Cabinet report from May 2025. While there will be some upfront costs to buy the new bins, the recommended option is the only one that reduces the overall yearly cost compared to the current service. It also aims to improve service quality and deliver better environmental outcomes.

No, the new recycling bins provided as part of the service changes will be free of charge for all households. These bins are for the new alternate fortnightly recycling collections and replace the clear sacks currently provided.

The £4.25m implementation cost will be fully funded through a mix of grants, reserves, and general capital resources, as detailed in the report. There is no borrowing required to fund the changes.

The new collection service is expected to provide a £206,000 (9%) annual saving on the current net budget for refuse and recycling. This is compared to other options modelled which, while they may have provided a reduced initial set up cost, would have increased the annual budget cost by almost £1m.

The new collection service estimate does not include financial benefits from improved recycling by residents, any increase in recycling tonnages could result in an increased income for the Council and improve the £206,000 saving on the net budget.

A full breakdown of the financial impact of the proposed changes to the waste service is available in item 7 of the Cabinet report from May 2025 on our website.

Braintree District Council collects Council Tax from residents, however, it only keeps approximately 10 percent of this. The remainder goes to Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue, Essex County Council and to Parish/Town Councils. Braintree District Council uses its share of Council Tax, together with other sources of funding, to provide over 100 services to residents and businesses, including its waste service.  The new waste service is due to commence on 1st June 2026 and will offer an enhanced service to residents, with a greater range of recyclable material collected from the kerbside. Not only will this deliver an improved waste collection service to residents, but the agreed model ensures the most cost-effective approach to meeting new government recycling targets. More information on how your Council Tax is used can be found here: Understanding your Council Tax bill

Yes, the Council has planned for the changes. The new service may lead to more food waste being put into food caddies instead of grey bins, and this has been taken into account.

There shouldn’t be an increase in general waste from households. Instead, the improved recycling service will help move more waste into recycling (reducing what goes to landfill or incineration) and helping the environment without adding extra cost.