South Gloucestershire introduces new recycling bags ahead of black bin changes
Residents will receive bags to separate plastic, cans, foil, and soft plastics
Last updated 30th Jan 2026
New recycling bags will start being delivered across South Gloucestershire from mid-February as part of changes to waste collection in the area.
The council is rolling out two types of recycling bags to all households: a white reusable bag for plastic, cans, and foil, and blue bags for soft plastics.
These changes are designed to expand capacity for recycling and make separating household waste simpler. Bags for plastic, cans, and foil are made from durable material, seal fully to prevent litter, and are weighted to reduce the chance of them blowing away.
Soft plastics account for nearly 29 per cent of the volume in an average black bin. The council says shifting these items to weekly recycling collections should make it easier for residents to adapt to three-weekly black bin collections.
Residents to receive bags in phases
Households involved in South Gloucestershire’s soft plastic trial will receive the new bags first, with delivery to others beginning at the same time.
South Gloucestershire Council aims to ensure all households receive their bags by May 2024. A leaflet with information about how to use them properly will be delivered alongside the bags.
Increasing recycling rates
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for recycling and waste at South Gloucestershire Council, said the new bags are part of efforts to simplify recycling for residents.
“We know that South Gloucestershire’s residents are already committed to recycling their household waste, and by providing these new bags we want to make it as easy as possible for them.
“Following the success of our soft plastics trial, we are delighted to be rolling out this service to all households, and we’ve chosen durable and litter resistant materials for the new bags to help keep our communities clean and tidy.
“We hope these changes will help increase recycling rates in the area and make the system simpler to use for everyone.”
For more information, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling.