North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) in England is launching a consultation to revamp its containers recycling system, potentially replacing the current use of boxes and bags with new containers.  

The consultation will run for eight weeks starting from 19 February 2024. 

Residents are being asked to consider three options including two separate wheelie bins, a stackable recycling trolley, or a Quatro bin with four compartments for different types of recycling.  

The current system, which has been in place for two decades, involves residents using different containers for various recyclables, contributing to the council's earnings of up to £1m ($0.79m) annually from selling separated materials.  

However, with the district's growing population and evolving recycling habits, NWLDC is exploring these options to enhance efficiency and meet upcoming government requirements. 

Since 2019, approximately 500 volunteers have tested different recycling containers, including a stackable trolley and a trolley with drawers.  

Feedback from these trials, combined with market reviews, has informed the three proposed options.  

The council aims to prepare for the mandatory collection of food waste, cartons, plastic wrapping, and film by 2025, as per government directives. 

The consultation's outcomes will be evaluated by the council's waste service, which will then make a recommendation to the Cabinet.  

Following this, a plan will be drafted to implement the new system in alignment with the anticipated government changes. 

NWLDC community and climate change, portfolio holder councillor Michael Wyatt said: “The current system is not environmentally friendly. In fact, it’s added to the problem of litter being left in our streets, broken red boxes, yellow and blue bags flying in the wind. The consultation on the new solutions are a chance for us to bin the boxes and bags, so please let us know which option you think would work best. 

“The consultation is part of a wider review of our waste service, it will take time to implement but we haven’t made any decisions so want to hear as much feedback as possible.” 

In a related development, NWLDC has been selected as the eighth council in England to pilot the collection of plastic bags and wrapping at the kerbside.  

This trial will involve around 6,500 households in the Coalville and Greenhill areas, as well as some rural homes, starting on 13 March, 2024.  

Participants will receive purple collection bags and instructions on the new service, enabling them to recycle plastic bags and wrapping along with their regular recycling.