SWINDON households have started to receive new bins as part of a major change to the town's waste collection. 

While the new scheme involving a food waste collection bin and a blue sack to split recycling further is not yet active, some that have received them have already started using them. 

This has led to others posting reminders online that the new bins should not yet be used until Swindon Borough Council has written to residents to let them know.

Swindon Advertiser: The new weighted blue bag for plastics and metal and the new food waste bin are being delivered to Swindon neighbourhoodsThe new weighted blue bag for plastics and metal and the new food waste bin are being delivered to Swindon neighbourhoods (Image: Swindon Borough Council)

The council also put out a reminder on its Facebook page to reiterate that the food waste collection isn't happening until later this year.

A spokesperson said: "New food waste caddies and weighted blue bags are being delivered to households across Swindon - you'll need them when food waste collections begin later this year.

"Please don't use the new containers just yet, we'll write to affected households ahead of the changes to let you know what you need to do and when. Don't worry if you haven't received yours, we're still delivering."

One person who has received theirs is Green Party parish councillor Bradley Williams.

He said: "Just had our new food waste bins and weighted bag delivered I know some people haven’t got them yet, so just wanted to show how big the weighted bag is compared with a normal bin.

"You have one of these bags for both plastics and tins. It also comes with a little leaflet with some information about it all!"

He shared a picture of the size of the new weighted bag compared to a standard bin. 

He also later confirmed, via correspondence with the cabinet member overseeing waste collection, Chris Watts, that further weighted blue bags could be ordered. 

He shared the response from Mr Watts, which confirmed residents could order or pick up new blue bags from libraries, and that there would initially be no charge for additional bags. 

Mr Watts had previously said the benefits of this new scheme include being more environmentally friendly, and it will generate an income for the council which can be reinvested in the waste collection service. 

Find out more on the council's website: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/recyclefaqs