Plans to expand the range of recycled products in West Suffolk set to be discussed

Recycling in West Suffolk is set to take a ‘revolutionary’ step forward as plans to expand the range of recycled products are set to be discussed.

The plans include the introduction of glass and cartons recycling by April 2026 and plastic film by the following year.

This will be in addition to a brand-new weekly food waste collection, which is set to launch across the county in spring of 2026.

The proposals are in response to the Environment Act 2021, which requires all local authorities to increase their recycling rates and reduce waste which is unnecessarily disposed by March 31, 2026.

Cllr Dave Taylor, cabinet member of operations at West Suffolk Council, said: “Helping residents recycle, including food waste and providing them with the facilities to do so is vital to achieve this.

“We have looked at a range of options, but it is clear using additional bins as part of twin stream recycling has clear benefits.

“These collections will allow more items to be recycled, reducing contamination and the cost of the recycling compared with co-mingled collections.

“Evidence also shows that higher quality materials result in higher resale values for those materials and better re-processing for re-use in new products.”

No decision has been made on the frequency or changes to the collection of general household waste that cannot be recycled.

The council will discuss the plans next Tuesday before going to full council for approval.