Improved recycling plans get the green light

Improved rubbish recycling for Northumberland residents has had a multi-million pound boost. 

The Council’s Cabinet approved a capital investment of more than £21m to expand the range of products that can be recycled as part of the Government's “Simpler Recycling” policy which comes in next year. 

Earlier this year the Council agreed to expand its food waste recycling services to approximately 90,000 households across the south east and central areas of Northumberland, to start in April 2026, with a further roll-out dependent on the availability of Government funding – which the Council continues to push for. 

The Council is now developing detailed plans to collect a wider range of dry recyclable materials which aren’t currently picked up at the kerbside -  including glass, plastic pots, tubs and trays, metal foils, cartons and flexible plastic films. 

To ensure the new recycling arrangements were both cost effective and environmentally advantageous, a range of options were considered around the collection and recycling of dry waste. 

The preferred model from Cabinet would see every household get a new recycling bin for paper, card and cardboard - black  with a burgundy lid. 

Timescales for the introduction of the new recycling arrangements are still being developed, but current estimates suggest it will be introduced from October 2026 at the earliest. 

Once introduced, general waste bins will still be collected once a fortnight, with either the general recycling or paper and cardboard being collected alternately every two weeks. 

Council Leader Glen Sanderson said: “Expanding the range of dry recyclables that can be collected at the kerbside to all households will bring a number of benefits for everyone and it’s another major step in our recycling commitments,” 

"Not only will it be more convenient for our residents and businesses, it will bring a big boost to our recycling rates off up to 10%, and over the next 15 years is expected to reduce our carbon emissions by up to 58,000 tons.” 

Councillor John Riddle, Cabinet Member for Environment, Rural and Farming, explained “The reason for another bin for paper and cardboard is that by keeping it separate from other recyclables there is less risk of it being contaminated from other recycled waste, whether that’s glass, food or liquids. It is also the cheapest option and the preferred collection system for DEFRA.

“There is still a lot of detail to sort before the new arrangements can be introduced, from designing a new central collection facility for the waste, to building infrastructure and working with our contractors, and we will ensure everyone is kept informed as we prepare for roll-out.” 

The Council recognises that for a small proportion of households it may not be possible to accommodate an additional wheeled bin. In all cases the council can consider looking at the size of the bins provided and engage with households to discuss options available.