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New kerbside recycling trial to launch in town

Getty Images Plastic bags lying on the ground, on a grey carpet. There are three white bags, one pink bag and one yellow and white striped bag. The edges of a blue bag and a green bag can also just be seen.Getty Images
Cheltenham Borough Council said the changes would make recycling more simple

People are being given the option of using their own carrier bags as part of a new kerbside recycling collection service.

Cheltenham Borough Council said it would collect things like plastic bags, foil and bubble wrap if households registered online in time for the service.

Collection bags will be delivered to homes or people can use their own carrier bags and leave them outside, a spokesman for the Gloucestershire council said.

Steve Harvey, the council's cabinet member for waste and recycling, said: "This is about making recycling simpler, more convenient and more effective while at the same time reducing the need to make more new plastics with all those associated costs to the environment."

He added: "It gives our residents an easier way to play their part in protecting the environment."

People are being asked to register for the new FlexCollect scheme from 9 November.

There has already been a trial of the service in 6,000 homes in Benhall and Wymans Brook where it has been "well received" by residents, the council said.

A pack of collection bags will be delivered to households that register for the service alongside an instruction leaflet which details how the scheme works.

Which materials can be recycled as part of the new service?

  • All plastic bags (carrier bags, frozen food bags, bread bags, salad, fruit and vegetable bags, flower bags and cereal bags).
  • Confectionary wrappers (chocolates, sweets, biscuits, cakes, ice cream and chewing gum wrappers).
  • Foil-lined packaging (crisp packets, snack packets and coffee bags).
  • Cheese, fish and meat wrapping.
  • Outer layer bags and wrapping (multi-pack kitchen and toilet roll, magazine and newspaper).
  • All pouches, sachets and packets (microwavable food, baby food, pet food, cosmetics, detergent and cleaning pouches).
  • Plastic film and sleeves (removable film lids and plastic sleeves for bottles and jars).
  • Bubble wrap and cling film.
  • Fruit and vegetable nets.

Once bags are filled they should be tied securely and left outside, the council said.

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