In just a few months, residents have increased the amount of paper and card recycled, while cutting non-recycling grey bin (residual) waste by around 16% compared with earlier in the year – a major step forward for recycling in Sandwell.

The improvements mean the council can now collect higher-quality recycling, ensuring materials are reused rather than wasted. Paper and card collected separately can be turned into new cardboard packaging, cereal boxes, newspapers, tissues and even building insulation, helping to reduce environmental impact and save resources.

Key achievements from September to January include:

• 2,576 tonnes of paper and card collected since service change – the equivalent weight of more than 200 double-decker buses.
• Residual waste down by around 16%, falling from 5,400 tonnes from July last year to 4,514 tonnes in January.
• Food waste recycling has surged, increasing from around 50 tonnes per month before October last year to up to 200 tonnes per month.

Recycling food waste helps cut greenhouse gas emissions, while also producing renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser used to grow more food.

Under the new system, recycling is collected separately to improve quality. Glass, plastics and cans go into the blue-lid recycling bin, while paper and card are placed in the blue recycling bag. The council’s waste contractor, Serco, collects around 10million bins and recycling bags every year from homes across the borough.

To support the transition, the council has been running community engagement events and deploying Recycling Support Officers who visit households, answer questions and provide practical guidance. The initiative helps reduce contamination and ensures more materials can be reused effectively.

Councillor Keith Allcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways at Sandwell Council, said: “I want to thank residents for helping improve recycling in Sandwell. By separating materials correctly, we can collect high-quality recycling that becomes new products.

“Our Recycling Support Officers and community events help residents recycle correctly and put the right waste in the right bin.

“We know this has been a big change, but these results show it is working, and I encourage everyone to keep it up so we can continue to improve recycling across the borough.”

Residents are reminded not to put plastic carrier bags in the blue-lid recycling bin, although they can be used to line food caddies, which helps keep recycling cleaner and easier to process.

Over time, these changes will help Sandwell make waste services more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective, while improving the borough’s recycling rate.

Our bins and recycling webpage has more details on guidance and support for residents.