A Southend-based company has given out 50,000 free stickers to help residents label their new wheelie bins, as the city officially begins its new recycling and waste collection service this week.
The stickers were printed and sent to residents who had requested them from a bin cleaning company called Bin2Clean.
From today, households across Southend can start using their new wheelie bins, with collections for the first time under the new service with contractor SUEZ. The latest most common questions and answers about the new bins are provided below.
For houses that have moved to wheelie bins, collections will now switch to bi-weekly – including general waste collections. This means the bin cleaning services from Bin2Clean will be even more important to prevent flies, maggots and bad smells.
Here’s a quick reminder of what goes in which bin in Southend:
- Black-lid bin – non-recyclable waste
- Pink-lid bin – glass, metal and hard plastics (glass bottles and jars, metal tins and cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, and food and drink cartons.)
- Blue-lid bin – cardboard and paper
- Blue food caddy – food waste
Councillor Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for Climate, Environment & Waste, said: “We want the start of the new recycling and waste service to be as smooth and straightforward as possible for everyone.
With approximately 60,000 homes switching to wheelie bins we know it will take some getting used to for both our residents and the crews. This is why we are trying to put out as much information as possible and we welcome residents’ support as we deliver this change together.”
Southend company steps in to give out 50,000 free bin stickers
Local bin cleaning company Bin2Clean has stepped up to help residents identify their new bins by distributing 50,000 numbered stickers across the city.
The idea was sparked when a resident asked the council if numbering stickers would be provided for the new bins. The council’s response was: “No, you would need to provide these yourself”.
“With everyone’s new bins looking identical, we realised council bin crews would have a nightmare task ensuring residents get the same bins back that they put out each week,” said Bin2Clean founder James Spokoini. “Let’s face it, nobody wants to be playing ‘musical bins’ with their neighbours, especially for the unlucky household that inevitably ends up entirely losing theirs!”
Spokoini said the Westcliff-based firm was “absolutely blown away” by the demand for free stickers, adding:
“We hadn’t anticipated quite how many households would want our free stickers! In all honesty, it’s given us a logistical headache, in addition to taking over my entire home, full of boxes of stickers, flyers and envelopes! But we’re good at logistics and we’re determined not to let anyone down… even though my wife and toddler aren’t best pleased with the chaos!”
To meet demand, the firm partnered with a UK-based manufacturer. Each household who requested them has received three waterproof, UV-resistant stickers printed with their house number, designed to fit neatly in the rectangle on the front of Southend’s new bins.
“It’s fair to say not everyone’s delighted with the new bins,” added Spokoini. “So as a local company we’re proud to be helping our community adjust as smoothly as possible.”
Bin2Clean is running a pre-launch offer, giving early subscribers a full year’s cleaning for the black-lidded general waste bin for just £39 (usually £89), or all three bins for £79 (usually £189). The offer will close in early November so you will need to act quick to get it here: www.bin2clean.com
Key FAQs about Southend’s new wheelie bin system
How do I know which bins go out each week in Southend?
There are eight different collection schedules across the city, divided into ‘A’ and ‘B’ rounds (Tuesday to Friday). This determines whether your black bin goes out with your pink or blue bin. The black bin will only go out once a fortnight.
You can check which round you’re on by looking at the paper calendar attached to your black bin in a plastic wallet. If it’s missing, call the waste line on 01702 215 006. You can also download the ‘Southend Waste’ app for a personalised collection schedule, which can sync to your phone’s calendar.
Note: around 7% of households will have their collection day changed, so check any correspondence from the council.
I’m staying on bin sacks. What happens to my collections in Southend?
Weekly sack collections will continue, though some collection days may change. Check your correspondence and app for details.
I’m still waiting for a review decision on bins. What should I do?
You can continue to present your waste in sacks while the review is processed. If your property is approved for bins, you’ll need to use them once delivered. Stage 2 reviews can be requested if you disagree with the decision.
What do I do with my leftover pink sacks?
Do not use pink sacks inside your pink bin. Place rinsed and dry recycling directly into the bin. Keep a few sacks for when your recycling exceeds bin capacity – such as over Christmas – and place them beside the bin.
Spare rolls can be given to neighbours still on sack collection or handed in to Southend libraries for redistribution.
Can I use bin bags in my new black wheelie bin?
Yes, you can use bags of any colour.
I want to recycle food waste but don’t have a caddy.
Apply for a new outdoor and/or indoor food caddy via the MySouthend website. The council provides free food waste bags.
Have garden waste bin collections changed?
No, it remains weekly apart from a two-week Christmas break for the annual tree collection.
Can I leave excess cardboard or shredded paper beside my bin?
Yes, flatten large boxes and stack them neatly beside your blue bin. Shredded paper should be placed inside paper bags or boxes to prevent it blowing away.
Where should the wheelie bins be placed for collection?
Put bins at the front edge of your property, not on the pavement. Crews must return bins to the presentation point – you should contact the council if this isn’t happening.
What if I put the wrong bin out or my bin is missed in Southend?
Extra resources are in place during the first month to smooth the transition. If there’s a problem, report it on the MySouthend website, email NewWasteService@Southend.gov.uk, or call 01702 215 006.