The big recycling switch over

Published: Tuesday, 17th September 2024

Sevenoaks District Council is phasing out clear recycling sacks and introducing ‘Reusable Recycling Bags’ to most households.

For operational reasons, residents who live in flats, use communal bins and certain properties in New Ash Green will not be given a Reusable Recycling Bag. Households not receiving a reusable recycling bag will be written to in the coming days.

Residents will receive their new recycling bag from Monday 23 September 2024 and can use it straightaway. The new bags will be delivered until the end of the year. Residents can continue to use their clear sacks until and after they have received their new recycling bag.

The recycling bag is for paper, cardboard, cans, foil and plastic bottles, pots and trays. To keep the bag clean, and to support effective recycling, all recyclable items should be clean, dry and loose.

When residents receive their new bag, they should write their house number or name in the space provided with a permanent marker. The bag should be left out by the kerb for collection by 7am on residents’ usual weekly collection day.

The recycling bag is weighted, waterproof and resealable. When full it is approximately 600mm (2 feet) wide by 600mm (2 feet) deep and 900mm (3 feet) high. It holds 190-litres of recycling, about three full clear sacks worth of materials and folds up for easy storage.

Cllr Irene Roy, Sevenoaks District Cabinet Member for Cleaner & Greener, says: “Our new reusable recycling bag is good news for the environment. Not only will there be a reduction in single use plastics, our trials found households recycle more of their waste using this bag. It’s a tried and tested system that’s in use by 130 councils across the country.

“We are committed to continual improvement and finding new ways to deliver a more efficient, cost effective and sustainable waste collection service whilst retaining high levels of customer satisfaction.”

Recycling rates in the Sevenoaks District are low and the Council is keen to encourage everyone to recycle more of their waste. With their new, large recycling bag, the Council hope more people will join in and increase the District’s recycling rates.

Introducing the reusable bag will save the Council driving thousands of miles every year to deliver clear sacks to every household, reducing its carbon emissions. By removing clear recycling bags it also cuts down on single use plastics.

The change will also save £200,000 a year, helping to protect the Council’s frontline services.

For more information, including questions and answers, visit www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/recyclingbags.