Residents across the county will be given extra wheelie bins as part of changes being brought in to improve recycling services.

Under the new system, households will use one wheelie bin for paper and card and another for mixed recyclables—plastic, glass, and cans—with fortnightly collections alternating between the two.

Launching this summer in Malton, the scheme will expand countywide over the next two to three years. It aims to improve recycling quality, reduce costs, increase material value, and cut carbon emissions while standardising waste services.

Waste and street scene locality manager, Wayne Fennell, said the new system will make the service ‘more streamlined’ and ‘efficient.’

He said “It will be easier for residents to get their recycling materials into the bins rather than having to use the boxes and putting them kerbside, they can wheel their bins out.

“They are not going to have to separate the recycling as much as they do now and for the collection teams it is a lot more efficient for the service. “

Following a successful trial in Selby and strong public support from the council’s Let’s Talk Rubbish consultation (with nearly 10,500 responses), the move aligns with residents' preference for bins over boxes or bags.

Wayne said the pilot in Selby was a real success, adding: “Without a question of doubt, for Selby, it was the best thing they have ever done in regards to the recycling model.”

Our executive member for waste services, Cllr Greg White, noted that residents want "the best value for money" and improved recycling.

Once fully implemented, the scheme is expected to boost recycling rates, lower emissions, and save us around £560,000 annually. It will also allow recycling of more materials, including pots, tubs, trays, and beverage cartons, under the Government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative.

Alongside these changes, residents are being reminded to purchase their garden waste licences for the 2025 collection season (March to early December).

The service costs £49 per 240-litre wheelie bin, with fortnightly collections. Additional bins can be licensed, and dependent on where some residents live they may receive compostable liners or sacks.

Cllr White emphasised the convenience of the service and encouraged early licence purchases. Collections won’t start until the licence is displayed on the bin, with packs arriving within 14 days of purchase.

See full details about payments, collection dates, and more information.

Residents with smaller garden waste amounts may consider home composting, with low-cost compost bins available.

See more details about low cost compost bins.

See more information about our household waste recycling centres.