Weighted recycling bags are being introduced across the area
04:59, 02 Oct 2025Updated 09:27, 02 Oct 2025
A bin lorry at South Gloucestershire Council’s Sort It recycling centre in Mangotsfield(Image: Google Maps)
Residents in South Gloucestershire are set to receive new reusable recycling bags in a bid to stop rubbish from blowing across streets on windy bin days. But Bristol Live readers are fed up with all the changes.
The new bags, which can be sealed at the top and are weighted to prevent them flying away, will replace the current open-topped boxes for plastics, cans and foil. However, households will still have the choice to keep using their existing boxes if they prefer.
Currently, residents are given two recycling boxes without lids, something the council admits has led to frequent complaints about litter being scattered during collections. A report to the scrutiny commission this week described it as a ‘common complaint’ and said many people do not stack their boxes to stop lighter materials from escaping.
The report also acknowledged that the decision to scrap bags in 2019 was unpopular with residents and may have put people off recycling properly. Costs are another factor, with boxes now more than double the price of bags.
Trials of the new bags suggest they significantly cut down on rubbish being blown away. The council says each bag will also carry clear instructions to make it easier for households to separate recycling correctly.
Although every home will be issued with the new bags, their use will not be compulsory. Residents who prefer their old boxes will be able to carry on using them.
The rollout is expected to begin next year alongside a new soft plastics collection scheme. One idea missing from the report was the option of lids for the current boxes – something already offered to households in neighbouring Bristol.
Commenter Brizzlebabber says: “If the proposed bags are anything like the cardboard ones used by Bristol Waste they’ll blow away in strong winds. They get disgustingly dirty too.”
Pachacuti thinks: “It’s the bin men missing the target when emptying the boxes, not the wind. All litter should be picked up while collecting then there wouldn’t be a problem!”
Brother Johnny replies: “The simple answer is to take ownership. Wherever you see litter , pick it up
Huxleypig writes: “The Tory administration was in place in 2019 when South Gloucestershire Council decided to ask residents to use boxes. Yet another massive mistake costing the residents of South Gloucestershire. I’m sure the money wasted would have been better spent on filling potholes. Or something.”
Banksstuart2 agrees: “The current problems with the collection of recycling waste is that it is either blown away or is incorrectly segregated in the boxes provided. This is occurring because the boxes do not have a weighted, sealable lid and the boxes are not clearly color coded. Sealable plastic bags are a cheaper alternative that can store a greater capacity of recycling waste. However, they will still be blown around in a strong wind, creating a hazard to pedestrians and motor vehicles.”
Jubblyone4 adds: “We had plastic bags (weighted) when we moved to SG in 2018. They needed replacing after a few years but SGC said to use boxes instead. Now going back to bags?!”
Blackbeard83 replies: “Bags massively add to the plastic waste. People often don’t use lids on boxes, so plastic blows into the street. Both have their issues.”
Fluffball complains: “The bags brought in in Weston-super-Mare are already degrading rapidly and falling apart!”
ian parsons adds: “Why can’t we have recycling bins that don’t degrade or blow all over the street when it’s windy – is that really too much to ask?”
Are you tired of recycling failures? What do you think needs to change now? Have your say in our comments section.