COLCHESTER Councillors are “pleased” as a new scheme which will make big changes to waste collection and recycling across Colchester will be discussed and could be approved this week.

The Recycling and Waste Strategy for Colchester 2025 to 2040 should be approved at a council cabinet meeting, tomorrow, October 23, at the Town Hall.

The plans, which will see wheelie bins implemented for each household in the city, were announced in July.

It is hoped that the council will save £1million a year and it will include households being required to use different wheelie bins rather than sacks.

Location - Town Hall in High StreetLocation - Town Hall in High Street (Image: Newsquest) At the start of October, it was revealed that after a public consultation, 83 per cent of 3,891 residents and businesses have backed the new recycling and waste strategy.

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.

The scheme is set to be trialled in 2025 before a planned roll-out in 2026.

During the cabinet meeting, according to agenda notes, councillors will be “invited to adopt” the strategy.

Colchester Council leader, Councillor David King, said: “I am really pleased. 

Waste - an illustrative image of wheelie binsWaste - an illustrative image of wheelie bins (Image: PA) “After many months of planning we have a way ahead tested by other councillors and a widely supported public consultation.

"Which saves money, is good for the health of our crews and helps improve recycling rates. 

"But which accepts some will need different arrangements. 

“We have government targets that can only be met through a new strategy. 

"So, this is really good news, for the bottom line, better recycling and less waste being poured into the ground.”

Pleased - Councillor David KingPleased - Councillor David King (Image: Newsquest) Berechurch Ward Councillor Dave Harris said: “I shall be going to the cabinet meeting to make sure there is enough facilities to recycle paper and plastic.

“In other words, to make sure the wheelie bins are big enough for five, six, seven, or eight of recycling.

“I’m quite hopeful once the trial happens, it will be brought where it is appropriate as some streets won’t be suitable.

“Recycling rates should go up and that is good.

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

“They will listen to the points made, I am hopeful it will just go through, get the trial underway, learn lessons from that and put in place, then we will be up and running across the city which is great.”

Councillor Martin Goss said: "This will be discussed at the meeting and it wouldn’t surprise me if it gets approval."

A decision will be made tomorrow.