New containers to be rolled out in recycling drive

New recycling containers are to be rolled out in Bristol - with the first batch delivered to residents on Monday.

A new red bag for plastics and cans, which is 60% bigger than the old green box, will be given to households along with a blue bag for card and paper.

The swap will happen on the usual bin days for each area and be done by crews. City bosses hope the move will boost recycling rates by a further 2%.

Councillor Abi Finch, chair of Bristol City Council's environment and sustainability committee, said the old boxes used to lead to recycling blowing across streets. "These new containers have been carefully chosen to resolve these issues after listening to people's concerns."

"Bristol Waste is making changes to make it easier for everyone to recycle, so now it's up to all of us to keep food waste and recyclables out of our black bins."

Ricky Gayfer, the operations director for Bristol Waste Company, said: "Lots of people don't know that correctly recycled items in Bristol are sold to generate funds for the city.

"Compare that to general waste from the city's black wheelie bins, which costs Bristol millions of pounds each year in disposal fees."

Residents are urged to put out their containers, even if empty, on their next bin day.

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