On 29 September 2025, Colchester City Council will expand its kerbside recycling collections to include flexible plastics and cartons, such as Tetra Paks, for the first time. This change applies to all households across Colchester and residents can start including these new materials in their clear plastic recycling bags for plastics recycling from Monday, 29 September.
The Government set out that, from April 2026, all waste collection authorities must begin accepting cartons and, from April 2027, flexible plastics as part of the Simpler Recycling legislation. The council's decision to bring forward these plans reflects the commitment to improving recycling rates and reducing environmental impact. Allowing residents to recycle items like bread bags, crisp packets, and juice cartons from home helps cut down car journeys to supermarket drop-off points, reduces landfill waste, and lowers the city’s carbon footprint.
Flexible plastics have always posed a challenge for household recycling, with them only being accepted in general waste or at specialist recycling facilities. Items such as plastic film from fruit and vegetable packaging, biscuit wrappers, bubble wrap, and carrier bags will be accepted, from 29 September, in kerbside plastics recycling. Similarly, cartons used for liquids like milk, juice, soup, and plant-based drinks will be recyclable in the same way.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “We know residents want to do the right thing by recycling more, and we’re making it easier for them to do just that. By expanding what can be recycled at the kerbside, we’re helping people save time, reduce car journeys, and recycle even more without changing their routine. It’s a win for residents and a win for the environment.
“This change also brings Colchester in line with future national requirements, but we’re proud to be acting ahead of schedule. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and our confidence in the community’s willingness to embrace smarter, more convenient ways to reduce waste.”
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to meet national recycling targets and support Colchester’s ambition to become a low-waste, low-carbon city.
These changes take place within the councils Business Waste service at the same time, meaning customers who pay for a plastic recycling collection can include the stated materials in their plastics recycling container. Residents and Business Waste customers are encouraged to check packaging for recycling symbols and to rinse out cartons before disposal.
Page last reviewed: 24 September 2025