A scheme to make big changes to waste collection and recycling across Colchester by rolling out wheelie bins in a trial next year has had a “positive” consultation.

Colchester Council has announced that 83 per cent of 3,891 residents and businesses have backed its new recycling and waste strategy.

Announced back in July, it’s a bid to save the council £1million a year and will include households being required to use different wheelie bins over sacks.

There would be one wheelie bin for black bags, one wheelie bin for paper, card and recyclable plastics, a plastic box for glass, and a food waste bin.

Rubbish - strewn across a Colchester streetRubbish - strewn across a Colchester street (Image: Newsquest) The scheme is set to be trialled in 2025 before a planned roll-out in 2026.

Berechurch Ward councillor Dave Harris supports the scheme.

He said: “My thoughts are that this is a positive thing. Having the recycling going into the white bin bags is fine, but having its own bin would be great.

“The trouble is that if they give you a wheelie bin for plastic and recycling, I could put out nine bags of recycling and they would take them.

"I am worried one wheelie bin may not be enough.

Man of the people - Councillor Dave HarrisBacks scheme - Councillor Dave Harris (Image: David Harris)

For it - Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods and WasteFor it - Councillor Martin Goss, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and waste (Image: Colchester City Council) “If you are a heavy user of cardboard and plastics, or a big family, if it doesn’t fit in one bin, will they be allowed to have two dedicated wheelie bins?

“It’s a great idea and will keep the streets tidier as white sacks often split open and you can get other problems, but in a bin, they will be secure and neater.

“On the other side of the coin, not everyone can have a wheelie bin.

“Eighty-three per cent is brilliant, a positive result. It is just incumbent upon the council to make sure it works for the people and to increase our recycling rate.

“Maybe this is the way to do it if we get it right.”

Waste - an example of wheelie bins being usedWaste - an example of wheelie bins being used (Image: PA) Castle Ward councillor Mark Goacher said he could see the positives and negatives of the scheme as not everywhere is suitable for wheelie bins.

He said: “With anything to do with waste collection you are going to get mixed views.

“My view is that most people prefer wheelie bins and they can be tidier and cleaner, but they aren’t suitable for everyone.

“There needs to be exceptions and my understanding is that there will be, such as terraced streets where a wheelie bin would have to be wheeled through the house.

Can see both sides of the scheme - Councillor Mark GoacherCan see both sides - Councillor Mark Goacher (Image: Newsquest) “Also, on streets with narrow pavements, the wheelie bins would clutter up the pavements."

Colchester resident Francesca Prior said: “Any way to make Colchester more green is amazing, even if it’s as small as starting to recycle more.

“It’s got to start somewhere. It's a shame it isn’t properly beginning any sooner than 2026.”

Colchester Council’s scrutiny panel will discuss the proposed scheme on October 8.