Southend is preparing for a major switch to wheelie bins for all residents this year, as part of a new £144 million eight-year waste management contract designed to improve waste collection services across the city.
The move has sparked considerable local debate, with residents expressing concerns about space constraints and the practicalities of the new system.
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, the new waste contractor appointed by Southend-on-Sea City Council, is now conducting an extensive assessment to determine which properties are suitable for wheelie bins.
The company is set to take over services from the current contractor, Veolia, in a move that marks a significant shift in how the city’s waste and recycling are managed.
The audit will assess properties based on space availability, accessibility, and collection logistics. Over the coming months, Southend residents may notice SUEZ representatives inspecting properties – but there’s no need to worry, as no action is required from householders at this stage.
Once the audit is complete, residents will be informed of their eligibility for wheelie bins and will have the opportunity to raise any concerns before the new waste system launches in October 2025.
Cllr Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment, and waste, highlighted the positive impact these changes will have:
“Switching to wheelie bins for our waste is a big change for residents, and our focus is to make sure that we make the new system work for all. That’s why we’re taking the time to visit every home and putting in a process for residents to raise their specific concerns.”
“I’m pleased to say that unlike many other councils, we’re not allowing bins to be stored on our pavements. This prevents obstacles on our footpaths and maintains our street scene.”
“We are enhancing our Assisted Collection service for those with mobility issues, where bins will be collected and returned to the storage point on a property. We are also using a special design on the bin lids to aid those with visual impairments.”
Are you looking forward to receiving the new wheelie bins? Leave a comment at the bottom of this article and let us know.
Who will get wheelie bins – and how many?
Most suitable households will receive three standard-size wheelie bins, each with a 180-litre capacity:
- One bin for general waste
- One bin for recyclables
- One bin for paper and card
Larger households (with six or more residents) or those producing additional medical or hygiene waste will be able to request larger 240-litre bins.
Who will be exempt?
Some properties will be deemed unsuitable for wheelie bins. Exemptions will apply where:
- There’s insufficient space to store the bins within the property boundary.
- The placement of a bin would obstruct the entrance to the property.
- Moving the bin to the collection point would be challenging or unsafe.
- The waste crew would need to wheel the bin more than 50 metres to collect it (e.g., along a service alley).
Residents who cannot physically present their bins due to mobility issues will still receive support through the council’s Assisted Collection service. This includes arranging for bins to be collected and returned directly from the storage point.
When will the wheelie bins arrive in Southend?
Wheelie bin deliveries are set to begin in August 2025, but residents should not start using them until 27 October 2025 when the new waste system officially begins.
How often will bin collections happen in Southend?
Under the new system, collections will follow an alternate weekly schedule:
- Recycling will be collected one week.
- General waste will be collected the following week.
Food waste collections will remain weekly to minimise odours and food-related litter problems.
What’s the benefit of wheelie bins coming to Southend?
The wheelie bins are expected to:
- Increase recycling rates by improving how waste is separated.
- Protect the environment by preventing scavenging animals from ripping open bin bags and leaving litter on the streets.
- Maintain cleaner streets, as bin contents are better contained.
What about flats and communal areas in Southend?
Properties with communal bin arrangements, such as blocks of flats and some Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs), will continue with their existing service unless otherwise notified.
Garden waste collections
Southend City Council’s garden waste service will remain an optional, subscription-based scheme. If you renew your subscription before the new contract starts in April 2025, your service will continue uninterrupted for the remainder of your subscription period.
Why is this change happening in Southend?
The council is taking action to boost Southend’s recycling rates, which currently sit at 43.5%, below the government’s target of 65% by 2035. Maintaining the current waste collection system would add £10 million in costs over the next eight years, contributing to an estimated £32.9 million budget gap by 2029.
By introducing wheelie bins and encouraging better recycling habits, the council aims to reduce waste disposal costs, improve environmental sustainability, and create a cleaner, greener Southend-on-Sea.
Who is new waste contractor SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK?
SUEZ recycling and recovery UK is a leading provider of waste management solutions, serving communities and businesses across the UK. SUEZ aims to play a vital role in helping local authorities achieve their sustainability goals.
John Scanlon, chief executive officer for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, expressed his enthusiasm about the company’s latest partnership, stating:
“We are thrilled that SUEZ has been given this opportunity to provide recycling, waste, and street cleansing services for Southend Council. We look forward to embarking on this new partnership which will roll out new customer service benefits for residents, together with an ambitious strategy to help the council realise its carbon neutral aspirations, increase recycling rates and deliver lasting benefits for the local community. We are excited to get started and deliver for the people of Southend.”
Prefer current system, too many bins
The six wheelie bins (2 dwells in a house) would have to be stored in my front garden which will be a eyesore. Also people who pass the bins have a tendency to dump their rubbish in them
In the summer time the bins will smell as not everyone uses the food waste bins but uses black bags instead and that is why people have their bags ripped open by animals
I actually agree with the bins. At the moment on black bag collection day – so many bags are ripped open by foxes and cats which looks awful strewn all over the road. Some people dont wash cans and packages before then put them in the bags. Bins will keep the animals away from the animals and make the place tidier. My only problem is pulling it out each week.
Totally agree, a much better solution to get rid of rubbish.
It’s a shame we have to have 2 recycling bins instead of 1 and a compostable/ food wheelie, like other councils do!
the small food waste bins get knocked over by animals and strewn all over the pavements!
I’m 61 years old and i live alone, I could not possibly fill one of these bins in two weeks, I understand the need for 3 bins to separate waste. Can I have smaller more discrete bins?
What will happen with existing bins when the new bins are delivered?
I believe they are being recycled by the council, who will pick them up.
Does the general waste go in black bags first or just thrown in the bin
If you go to the Pitsea site and see what happens – it all goes to landfill, not separated and the place is alive with rats and vermin.
It would take me 2 months plus to fill the smallest of the wheelie bins so why should I fill my front garden with 3 of them and make it an eye sore. I do not need them and do not want them, perhaps all those residents who feel the same for whatever reason should just refuse them
Then maybe you should take your rubbish to the recycling centre instead.
We are in favour of the bins, in fact my husband has already built a concrete base by the back door of our garage in the back garden. We had them when we lived in Rayleigh and it was a far better solution than sacks. Bring them on, I say.