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Massive changes to how we recycle our waste are coming

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk County Council is preparing for a major transformation of recycling and waste services, with £5.2m allocated to meet new statutory requirements by March 2026.

The big picture: The "Simpler Recycling" scheme aims to standardise recycling collections across England and introduce separate food waste collection. This represents a significant change in how the county will manage its waste.

Key points:

  • No additional funding is being sought – £4.5m from council reserves will fund infrastructure changes, including adaptations to waste transfer stations.

  • An additional £700,000 has been secured by East Suffolk Council for improvements to the Lowestoft recycling centre.

  • The changes are expected to increase recycling rates, reduce carbon emissions, and lower waste disposal costs.

By the numbers:

  • 58% of current general waste could be diverted to recycling or organic waste collections.

  • 35% of Suffolk's non-recyclable waste is currently food waste.

What they're saying: Councillor Chris Chambers, Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, called it a "once in a generation opportunity to change our culture and increase how much we recycle."

“We have a good working relationship across all councils to manage the whole recycling and waste journey in the county.

“It will also save money for Suffolk taxpayers, as the new system will make recycling easier. We estimate that 58% of current general waste could be diverted to other recycling and organic waste collections in future, reducing costs.”

Between the lines: While district and borough councils handle curbside collections, the county council is responsible for waste management once it reaches transfer stations.

What's next: The Cabinet will vote on allocating the resources at its meeting on 10 September 2024.

Ipswich Borough Council will decide if and how to implement changes to bin collections in Ipswich. However, East Suffolk Council is set to adopt a new twin-stream recycling collection service with three weekly refuse collections and weekly food waste collections.

The bottom line: Whatever decision Ipswich Borough Council makes, the new system's success will ultimately depend on residents and businesses adopting proper recycling habits.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Man charged after St Helen's Street assault leaves victim in hospital

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An argument in Ipswich town centre escalated into an assault that left one man in hospital on Tuesday. Police are now seeking dashcam footage as they build their case.

Why it matters: The incident occurred in a busy area of Ipswich's town centre, with police now seeking public assistance to gather additional evidence as they build their case.

The details: Keith McKenzie, 48, of Bond Street, has been charged with assault causing grievous bodily harm.

  • The assault took place at approximately 21:45 on Tuesday near the junction of St Helen's Street and Bond Street

  • A man in his 30s sustained arm injuries following an argument with an unknown assailant

  • The victim walked to Tavern Street to seek help before being taken to hospital

  • He has since been discharged

What's next: McKenzie appeared at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Thursday, 6 February and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 6 March.

How to help: Detectives want to hear from anyone who was driving in the area between 21:35 and 21:50 on Tuesday with dashcam footage that might have captured the altercation.

The bottom line: Anyone with information should contact South CID at Suffolk Police, quoting reference 37/6562/25, via:

  • Website: suffolk.police.uk/tell-us

  • Phone: 101

  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymously)

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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