THE possible roll-out of wheelie bins across Colchester has could lead to unsightly and crowded streets, residents fear.

A new waste system which could be introduced in 2026 would require residents across the city to put rubbish, recycling and garden waste in three separate wheelie bins.

A consultation is now underway to ask residents what they think, though many have already made their feelings clear.

Emma Dell, the Secretary of St Mary's Residents’ Association, said some people were actually delighted with the plans.

Opinion – secretary of St Mary's Residents' Association, Emma Dell, said elderly people might struggle with wheelie binsOpinion – secretary of St Mary's Residents' Association, Emma Dell, said elderly people might struggle with wheelie bins (Image: Emma Dell)

She said: “We have got some people saying, ‘absolutely brilliant, we are sick to death with bags being ripped open’ – some people are really excited.

“Then we have got a lot of elderly people here who would not be able to physically take out that kind of bin with two weeks’ worth of black bin bags.

“With that in a wheelie bin, you have got to have a bit 'oomph' to move it.

“People worry think there are all these plastic bins and it is going to look hideous.”

She continued: “Some people are up for it and some people aren’t – some people don’t want to lose their parking space for a bin.”

On social media, there was similar division and some readers questioned whether there is going to be a blanket introduction of wheelie bins for houses of all kinds.

Alex Kane wrote: “100 per cent support this support this for me personally, and I hope it goes through.

Waste – the changes are subject to a consultation before the possible roll-out in 2026Waste – the changes are subject to a consultation before the possible roll-out in 2026 (Image: Daniel Rees, Newsquest)

“I will be interested to see how it works for terraced houses though – I am sure the council is considering all of this though.”

Jackie O’Brien added: “Yes, totally needed – sick to death of rubbish being all over the street when the foxes and cats get to them."

Peter Higgins said: “It's not ideal, but in practice it's the most effective way to increase recycling rates.

“But there needs to be a plan for the many people who have not got storage space for a pair of wheelie bins.”