On Tuesday the council’s cabinet will meet to discuss plans to revamp and enhance the current bulky waste service in a bid to reduce fly-tipping and increase recycling in the city.
Under the current system, residents can book a bulky waste collection for up to five items but are charged per item.
If the new system is approved, residents will benefit from one free collection of up to five items per household per financial year.
The decision is largely to encourage improved recycling and to reduce the impact and frequency of fly tipping in Southend.
If approved, the new bulky waste collections are set to be rolled out in October alongside the new wheelie bin collections.
Lydia Hyde, councillor for climate, environment and waste, said: “This was a key promise on our manifesto and is the final one, so we’re pleased to deliver on our promise.
“This is something we believe will help residents get rid of bulky waste in an affordable and responsible way.
“There are some limitations of the service, to not get completely abused, but we are offering more than the Medway model we’ve based it on.
“I hope this will lower fly-tipping instances, and be better for those with a barrier of financial ability to dispose responsibly.
“This is part of our civic pride agenda and we’re absolutely delighted to start on October 28th.”
Bulky items classify as anything too large for standard waste disposal services to manage, such as fridges, mattresses and other household furniture.
The new free bulky waste collections form part of Southend Council’s new waste contract with Suez UK.
Under the eight year contract, worth £18million a year, residents will transition to wheeled bin collections and improved services including a new resident mobile phone app.
The proposed free element for the bulky waste collection service is based on the success of the service as implemented by Medway council, providing one free collection with a fixed charge per additional booking.
This method will be assessed at the end of the first three months of the scheme, and again at six months, to determine it’s success in curbing fly-tipping.