Kerbside plastic recycle scheme a county first

Residents will be able to recycle plastic bags at the kerbside in a county first for parts of Warwickshire.

Empty and clean wrappers, packaging, film and bubble wrap are also among the items that can be left in recycling bins in Leamington Spa and Warwick as part of fortnightly collections from 7 October.

Councillor Will Roberts said it was "fantastic" for residents to be able to dispose of the items "hassle-free at the roadside".

Warwick District Council's waste management partner, Sherbourne Recycling, said it would be introducing the service to other partner authorities next year.

The items will be recycled into other plastic packaging, bags for life, or used in farming or construction materials, Mr Roberts added.

Sherbourne Recycling said plastic bags and wrappings must be empty and free from food residue and other contaminants.

According to a 2023 survey by the charity Recoup, in April that year 12% of local authorities offered kerbside recycling collection for plastic films and flexibles, but the number had been declining for six years.

The council said plastic bags and wrapping constituted 22% of the UK's plastic packaging in 2020 but only 8% of it was recycled.

In addition to plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays, the district's residents will be able to recycle all plastic bags, confectionery and food wrappers.

In addition, the council will collect foil-lined and plastic packaging, bubble wrap and cling film in sections of no more than 1m (3ft).

Sherbourne Recycling said authorities in Coventry, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton and Bedworth, Rugby, Stratford-upon-Avon, Solihull and Walsall would follow suit by spring 2025.

The Warwick District scheme is part of a larger £2.9m FlexCollect project which is campaigning for plastic bags and wrapping to be added to household collection services.

Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.