THE introduction of wheelie bins to homes across Southend may seem like an easy task, but the sheer challenge of delivering a whopping 125,000 across the borough is no mean feat.
In recent weeks, Southend Council and new waste provider Suez have begun delivering three wheelie bins to every home in the city before collections for the new waste system take full effect on October 28.
Once active, residents will need to split their rubbish into dry mixed recycling, paper and cardboard and residual 'black bag' waste, which will be collected every alternating week.
Before that can happen, the wheelie bins must be delivered. The Echo joined Suez and Southend Council on Thursday to see the roll out in action.
Five crews were working in central Southend, with one crew delivering 156 bins on Westbourne Grove in batches of 14 homes at a time - assembling the bins roadside to cram as many as possible into each run.
Daniel Gillert, SUEZ regional manager, said: "It's a real logistical challenge, and we're doing our best to avoid having an impact on traffic flow.
"Southend can’t continue to provide a huge liability in black bag waste, so moving from a sack service will see a dramatic improvement.
"Wheelie bins improve recycling performance, people are getting a clear decision here of what to put where, which will have a positive impact."
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The £144m contact lasts eight years, following suit of Milton Keynes which made the switch in 2023, and has since gone from 83rd to 2nd in recycling performance nationwide.
Daniel and crew spent close to four hours delivering the bins to Westbourne Grove, with deliveries due to finish by 6th October, leaving three weeks before collections begin to resolve any growing pains.
Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend Council, joined the roll-out, engaging with residents and addressing queries of the changes.
He said: "It's important the rollout is done efficiently, and I'm impressed with the speed of unloading.
"I've had positive conversations with people delighted to be getting bins and who have been concerned by uncleanliness for a number of years.
"Residents want to see nice clean streets, and I'm confident the bins will help do that and that we’re going to be fully ready for the start of the new service on October 28."
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