An update from West Suffolk Council on Better Recycling

Message sent on behalf of Cllr Dave Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council – Better Recycling

 We are now just days away from launching the new recycling and waste service ‘Better Recycling’ in West Suffolk!

We’ve spent the last few months preparing for the service change on 1 June. This preparation has included delivering over 240,000 bins across the district, delivering detailed information packs and calendars to offer guidance and advice to residents, and keeping residents up to date across social media.

Please read on to find out more about the work around ‘Better Recycling’.

Recycling at Household Recycling Centres 

 Residents can dispose of items such as furniture, large electrical appliances, wood and timber, textiles, and other non-recyclable waste at a local recycling centre. In total there are 11 recycling centres in Suffolk, and each household can make multiple bookings per week.

 The charity re-use service is available at all centres, where residents can bring clean, working, reusable items to donate. Some items may come with a charge, so it’s recommended that residents check beforehand. Further information can be found on the Suffolk Recycles – Recycling Centres webpage.

Battery recycling and WEEE 

 I want to take this opportunity to remind you of the dangers around batteries; if disposed of in a household bin, our crews and potential passerby’s will be put at risk if a fire breaks out.

 Batteries can be safely recycled at any Suffolk Recycling Centre, or at local supermarkets and at the council offices. If a battery is leaking, ensure it is wrapped and sealed in a plastic bag or cling film before disposal.

In West Suffolk there are 18 Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) bins for residents to recycle their small electricals. These bins can be filled with small electricals including mobile phones, tablets, cables, kettles, toasters and kid’s toys -anything smaller than a standard sized microwave.  You can find your local WEEE bin by searching for your address on Find My Nearest.

Simpler Recycling for businesses 

 Since 31 March 2025, the council have been working with workplaces and non-domestic premises to separate key recyclable materials in order to meet new government legislation ‘Simpler Recycling’.

 As households will from the 1 June, all workplaces and non-domestic premises, have been required to separate key recyclable materials since 31 March 2025. Compliance is the responsibility of individual businesses, but West Suffolk Council is helping with tailored waste collection services that make the transition seamless.

Businesses that are interested in the new service can contact commercial.services@westsuffolk.gov.uk to find out more.

Recycling awareness  

 We have continued to talk to the public at many events over the past months, engaging with residents, from students to pensioners.

 Sarah-Jane Clarke, Waste Management Officer, has been having informative conversations with residents in Clare, Mildenhall, Brandon and more! Sarah and the team will continue to host public events across the district at venues such as local libraries, shows and markets. Keep an eye on the Waste Education page to see when and where these are taking place.

 If you would like to arrange a visit from the Food Waste Education team at a local event, please contact the recycling team at recycling@westsuffolk.gov.uk. Please note events are subject to capacity.

Behind the scenes 

 If you have ever wondered what it is like to be part of the waste team and what makes it a truly unique job, then spend four minutes with one of our crews on their round https://youtu.be/0R3LetrAz8w

You can also find out more about the new Better Recycling arrangements by following this link