From 23 September 2024, Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) is phasing out clear recycling sacks and introducing ‘Reusable Recycling Bags’ to most households.
The new recycling bag is weighted, waterproof and resealable. When full, it is approximately 600mm (2 feet) wide by 600mm (2 feet) deep and 900mm (3 feet) high. It holds 190-litres of recycling, about three full clear sacks worth of materials, and folds up for easy storage.
Reusable bags are already being used by 130 councils across the UK and in trials, it’s been found that people tend to recycle more with these bags than they would with clear sacks.
Introducing the reusable bag will save SDC driving 30,000 miles every year to deliver clear sacks to every household, reducing carbon emissions. By discontinuing clear recycling bags, it also cuts down on single use plastics.
The change will also save around £200,000 a year, helping to protect frontline services.
The new bags will be delivered to properties up until the end of the year and can be used straight away. SDC is asking residents to write their house name or number on the bags with a permanent marker.
For operational reasons, SDC is unable to include flats and properties using communal bins. SDC will be writing to households who will not receive a reusable recycling bag.
All the information about the new bag roll-out, including a series of questions and answers, can be found on SDC’s website: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/recyclingbags.
