Waste collection changes
Eastern Avenue and Woodford Avenue
We have made changes to your waste and recycling service.
We’re introducing a new wheelie bin recycling service for houses on Eastern Avenue and Woodford Avenue from Monday 8 December.
This is to make it safer, more efficient and better for the environment.
Why we're making the changes?
Following a serious safety incident on Eastern Avenue in December 2023, we made changes to protect our collection crews.
To further protect our crew and to give you the best possible service, we’re starting a new fortnightly recycling collection using a wheelie bin.
What’s new?
- Your new recycling wheelie bin will arrive during the week beginning Monday 1 December
- Recycling collections start on Monday 8 December 2025, then every two weeks (e.g., Monday 22 December, Monday 5 January). These dates can change due to bank holidays
- You no longer need to use separate boxes. Just place all recyclable items in the new wheelie bin.
- Keep and reuse your old recycling boxes at home or in your garden. We will not collect them.
Collection day
Your recycling will be collected every two weeks on your usual collection day, Monday. Check your collection day
Your domestic waste collections will continue weekly.
Place your recycling wheelie bin and domestic waste bin at the boundary of your property as usual. We’ll not take any excess waste outside your wheelie bin.
Want to reduce your food waste?
Follow these top tips to reducing waste
If you have questions, please email: cleansing.services@redbridge.gov.uk
Find out more
Why is Redbridge introducing wheelie bins for recycling?
We want to improve the safety for collection crews and provide a cleaner, more efficient recycling service. This change follows a serious incident on Eastern Avenue in December 2023 and supports borough-wide efforts to reduce litter and increase recycling rates.
It's part of our plans to modernise our waste collection services over the next three years.
Why isn’t everyone getting wheelie bins at the same time?
Eastern Avenue and Woodford Avenue are part of a targeted rollout based on safety. Other areas will be included in future phases.
What can you recycle in your wheelie bin?
- Glass bottles
- Food jars
- Plastic bottles
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays (e.g. yogurt pots, margarine tubs, food trays)
- Drinks cans
- Food cans
- Empty aerosol cans
- Clean aluminium foil and foil trays
- Newspaper and magazines
- Catalogues
- Egg boxes
- Loo and kitchen roll tubes
- Junk mail and envelopes (including window envelopes)
- Cereal and food boxes
- Greetings cards
- Cardboard packaging
Do no include:
- Black plastic trays
- Drinks glasses and Pyrex
- Broken glass and crockery
- Plastic food pouches, bags and crisp packets - check local supermarkets for recycling
- Polystyrene
- Broken toys
- Food waste - try composting
- Takeaway food boxes
- Food waste
- Drinks cartons and cups - recycle at Chigwell Road RRC
- Nappies - try reusables
My neighbours have received their recycling bins, but I haven’t.
If your bin hasn’t arrived by the end of the delivery week, please email cleansing.services@redbridge.gov.uk with your address.
I live in a flat. When will I get a recycling wheelie bin?
This rollout is for kerbside properties that are suitable for a wheelie bin only.
It may not be possible for properties that are unable to store a wheelie bin to be considered in future phases, and we are working on alternative collection solutions for these properties. You’ll be notified when your property is included.
Will the wheelie bins cause mess or attract pests?
No. Wheelie bins are enclosed and more secure than boxes, helping prevent litter, odours and animal interference.
We believe they will reduce the amount of litter associated with the boxes and make for a more efficient service.
What does 'no side waste' mean?
All your recycling needs to be contained within your bin and the lid fully closed.
If you put out extra bags of recycling beside your wheelie bin, our crews will not collect them.
If you need an additional recycling bin please email Cleansing.services@redbridge.gov.uk
Why are you switching from boxes to wheelie bins?
Wheelie bins are easier to handle, reduce manual lifting for crews and prevent recyclables from blowing into the street.
How can I request a replacement bin?
Please email Cleansing.services@redbridge.gov.uk
Do I have to use the council-issued bin?
Yes. Only council-issued bins will be collected to ensure compatibility with collection vehicles.
How big is the recycling wheelie bin?
The recycling wheelie bin is 240 litres, It’s similar in size to your general waste bin.
The wheelie bins will provide increasing recycling capacity compared to the current boxes, with a combined capacity of 240 litres compared to the 55 litres capacity of the current boxes.
Can I request an assisted collection?
If you're already receiving assisted collections, your recycling wheelie bin will automatically be included in this service. You do not need to do anything.
If you're not currently on the assisted collection service but need help putting out your wheelie bins, you can request an assisted collection.
