Getting started
Your waste and recycling - from 1 June
We’re making it easier to recycle more from your door. By separating your waste into the correct bins, you’ll help reduce waste sent for incineration, protect the environment, and ensure more materials are efficiently recycled or reused.
Use the guide below to check what goes into each bin at your home.
Food caddy
Please use your food caddy for:
- Cereal and grains
- Bread and pastries
- Cooked and raw fish and meat
- Eggs and dairy (including egg shells)
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Rice and pasta
- Out-of-date food
- Fruit and vegetables
Garden waste bin
(subscription only)
If you subscribe to the garden waste service, you can place:
- Flowers and plants
- Grass cuttings
- Shrubs, hedge clippings, and leaves
- Weeds (avoid invasive plant species where possible)
- Twigs and small branches
- Straw or animal bedding
Paper and card bin
(red lidded bin)
Please recycle clean paper and cardboard, including:
- Paper and newspapers
- Cardboard
- Junk mail
- Magazines
- Wrapping paper
- Greetings cards
- Shredded paper
Important:
- Keep all paper and card clean and dry
- Place items loose (not inside bags)
Mixed recycling bin
(blue lidded bin)
This bin is for a wide range of recyclable materials:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Tins and cans
- Plastic bottles
- Tubs
- Yoghurt pots
- Film (such as plastic wrapping)
- Plastic bags
- Food and drink cartons
Important:
- Place all items loose and not inside bags
Grey bin
(non-recyclable waste)
Use your grey bin for anything that cannot be recycled.
All waste in this bin is sent to an Energy from Waste facility to generate energy.
What you need to do
- Check your new collection day
- Check what you can and cannot recycle in your:
- Applying for absorbent hygiene products (AHP)
Making these small changes will help ensure more waste is recycled and less is thrown away.
Why the service is changing
Across England, new “Simpler Recycling” rules are being introduced to make it clearer what you can recycle at home.
Braintree District Council is making these changes so you can recycle more materials, more easily, with less confusion.
Why these changes are happening
These changes are part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling approach, which aims to:
- Make recycling easier to understand
- Increase recycling rates
- Reduce waste sent for incineration
Engagement sessions
We are holding engagement sessions in the following areas:
- Witham
- Halstead
- Braintree
- Coggeshall
- Finchingfield
- Earls Colne
This is an opportunity to find out more information, ask questions and meet the recycling team.
Locations, dates and times
| Area | Location | Postcode | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sturmer | Village Hall | CB9 7XF | 12/05/2026 | 19:30 - 21:00 |
| Great Bardfield | Town Hall | CM7 4QG | 14/05/2026 | 19:30 - 21:00 |
| Braintree | Town Centre | N/A | 26/05/2026 | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Braintree | Mabrook House | CM7 9AA | 30/05/2026 | 10:00 - 14:00 |
| Witham | The Grove Centre | CM8 2YT | 17/06/2026 | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Witham | Town Centre | N/A | 30/06/2026 | 10:00 - 13:00 |
| Halstead | Town Centre | N/A | 28/07/2026 | 10:00 - 13:00 |
Please see our list of frequently asked questions regarding the changes: