Two more Suffolk councils are set to consider changes to waste collections, including proposals to enable residents to recycle more, alongside new food bins. 

Residents in Babergh and Mid Suffolk would see the introduction of new weekly food waste collections from 2026 and become part of a planned 'recycling revolution'.

Both council cabinets are considering proposals to help residents recycle more items in their household recycling bin from 2026 in line with new government rules. 

The plans include glass and cartons like Tetra Pak, which currently need to be taken to recycling centres and bottle banks, included in household recycling.

Plastic film would also be incorporated from 2027.

Reports before councillors show the changes, as well as the weekly food waste collections, would allow more than 58% of the waste that residents currently put in their black rubbish bin to be recycled. 

A separate bin, box or bag would be provided for paper and cardboard.

This separation, known in the waste industry as ‘twin-stream collections’, would ensure this isn’t affected by other items in the bin, improving its recycling value and quality.

The proposals build on already approved plans to introduce brand new weekly food waste collections in 2026.

Items for the food waste bin would include leftovers, meat, fish, and bones, tea bags and coffee grounds, bread, pasta and rice, dairy products and fruit and veg. 

The reduced amount of general rubbish would mean the councils could explore more cost-effective three-weekly rubbish bin collections from 2026.

Cllr Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture, and wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council, said: "We understand change can be unsettling, but I also know that most of us would like to see as much of our waste as possible recycled, instead of incinerated.

"This improved service, including the additional weekly food collections, give us the opportunity to reduce our waste, improve recycling habits, and play a bigger part in the circular economy across Suffolk.

Cllr Tim WellerCllr Tim Weller (Image: BMSDC)

"The additional opportunities for everyone to recycle more also means general waste bins will simply not fill up as quickly, meaning we can also review these collections to ensure we’re getting the best value for council taxpayers.

"Any changes will take place around the same time and will be communicated clearly to minimise disruption as much as possible."

Cllr Deborah Saw, cabinet member for people and place at Babergh District Council, said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to improve our recycling habits. 

"Increasing the amount of rubbish that can be recycled by over half really would be a recycling revolution. This is the first major change since we first started separating recyclables over 20 years ago.

"We know that change on this scale will not be without challenges for some households, but we will work with anyone with exceptional needs on a case-by-case basis, to ensure we are adopting this government legislation in a way that works best for Babergh and its communities. For example, our waste officers already consider circumstances such as medical needs and addressing the needs of larger families, among others."

This comes as an extra recycling bin is set to be delivered to east Suffolk's 117,000 homes as part of plans to revamp waste collections.

All local authorities in Suffolk, as part of the Suffolk Waste Partnership, are reviewing their waste and recycling services to ensure they meet new nationwide ‘Simpler Recycling’ requirements by 31 March 2026.

The legislation aims to make items collected for recycling consistent across England and Wales and improve national recycling rates which have not increased for some years.

Any changes to collections will be explained to residents as part of a Suffolk-wide communications campaign nearer to the 2026 rollout.