Red reusable bag trial to simplify recycling sorting

A new reusable red bag is being trialled as a simpler way to sort plastics and metal for recycling and "reduce litter" on the streets.

Around five hundred households will be involved in the 12-week scheme run by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The council has said the bags will take up less space than boxes and will benefit households with limited storage space.

Councillor Tim Ball said other local authorities have found bags to be a "good" and "cheaper" solution for recycling storage.

Residents chosen to take part will have the bags delivered to their homes on the week beginning 24 February.

The delivered bags will then be used to recycle household plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays and metal packaging such as tins, cans, foil, and aerosols.

"It's due to the fantastic commitment of our residents that we recycle more than 60% of our household waste and send just 3% to landfill, but we appreciate that sorting it can be time consuming," Mr Ball said.

"The red bag trial aims to make it easier for residents and collection crews to sort the plastics and metals, as well as reduce litter and spillage on collection day as the bags are sealable.

"Well-sorted recycling can also be sold for more money, which helps to cover collection costs and fund vital local services."

Participants will be asked to fill in an online or paper survey and the council will also monitor the quality of recycling from trial roads, levels of litter before and during the trial, assess the ease of use and storage and gather feedback from collection crews.

The results will be presented to the council's cabinet in the summer with a recommendation report.

The trial will run from 24 February until 23 May.

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