Babergh and Mid Suffolk bin collection changes approved

From 2026, people living in Babergh and Mid Suffolk will see twin-stream collections introduced alongside weekly food waste collections. 

The new collection model will help people be able to recycle more items and meet government legislation which is due to come into force, the councils said.

Both councils will also move to a three-weekly rubbish bin collection. The councils’ waste team will be sympathetic to those with exceptional needs on a case-by-case basis, such as those with larger families, with medical needs or without available space for the new bins.

Under the new twin-stream collection model, a separate bin, box or bag will be provided for paper and cardboard. 

This additional recycling, combined with new weekly food waste collections, would have an impact on recycling rates. 

Glass and cartons such as Tetra Pak - which currently have to be taken to Suffolk’s recycling centres and bottle banks - will be included when the plans are in place. Plastic film is to be incorporated from 2027.

A separate bin, box or bag will be provided for paper and cardboard. This separation, known in the waste industry as twin-stream collections, would ensure this is not affected by other items in the bin.

Unusable or expired items that residents will also be able to put in their food waste bin include leftovers, meat, fish, bread, pasta and more.

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.  

Deborah Saw, of Babergh District Council (Image: Babergh Council)

“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."

Tim Weller, cabinet member for environment, culture, and wellbeing at Mid Suffolk District Council, added: “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.

Tim Weller, of Mid Suffolk District Council (Image: BMSDC)

“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.

“Over the coming year, we’ll ensure an effective communications campaign reaches our residents to minimise disruption.”

The news follows similar plans which have been implemented by East Suffolk Council. 

District councils in Suffolk are reviewing their waste and recycling services to ensure they meet new nationwide ‘Simpler Recycling’ requirements by March 31, 2026.