A total of 500 households across Bath and North East Somerset will receive a new reusable red bag to trial a simpler way to sort plastics and metal for recycling.
Residents selected to participate in the 12-week trial will have recycling bags delivered to their homes during the week commencing February 24.
These bags can be used to recycle household plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays, as well as metal packaging such as tins, cans, foil, and aerosols. The trial is part of an initiative aimed at increasing recycling participation and efficiency in the community.
Geldof Drive, Beaufort Avenue and Grace Drive in Midsomer Norton will be included in the trial, as will Lower Whitelands in Radstock.
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The aim of the trial by Bath and North East Somerset Council is to make it easier for residents to sort materials and store containers, which in turn will help streets stay clean. Bags take up less space than boxes and will benefit households with limited storage space.
The trial areas have been chosen to reflect the diverse types of properties and housing density within B&NES. A full list of the areas and roads which will receive the red bags can be found on the red recycling bag trial webpage.
Councillor Tim Ball, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “It’s due to the fantastic commitment of our residents that we recycle more than 60 per cent of our household waste and send just 3 per cent to landfill, but we appreciate that sorting it can be time consuming.
“The red bag trial aims to make it easier for residents and collection crews to sort the plastics and metals, as well as reduce litter and spillage on collection day as the bags are sealable.
“Other local authorities have found bags to be a good solution for recycling storage and collection as they are cheaper and take up less space than boxes.
Well-sorted recycling can also be sold for more money, which helps to cover collection costs and fund vital local services.”
The trial will run from February 24 until May 23. Residents who are taking part will be asked to fill in an online or paper survey to give their feedback. During the trial, the council will also monitor the quality of recycling from trial roads, levels of litter before and during the trial, assess the ease of use and storage and gather feedback from collection crews.
The results of the survey will be presented to cabinet later in the summer together with a recommendation report on the outcomes of the trial.
Residents taking part in the trial who need any additional help can email [email protected] or call on 01225 39 40 41.
To find out more about recycling in B&NES and how you can get involved in the latest recycling initiatives, including the types of materials accepted, collection schedules, and how to properly dispose of items, visit the official council website for detailed information, helpful tips, and any updates on local recycling programs.