Alongside our partners, we have drafted a new strategy for managing recycling and waste in Essex over the next 30 years. Now, we are inviting you to tell us what you think about it.

What we throw away comes at a cost, for residents, businesses and the environment. So, we need to do things differently.

The new, draft strategy sets out how we can protect the environment and conserve resources. It is focused on reducing waste, as well as reusing, recycling and recovering everything we can from resources and materials.

This will ensure we are getting the most value out of them and minimising any impact on the environment.

Chairman of the Essex Waste Partnership and Essex County Council’s Climate Czar and Cabinet Member for Environment, Waste Reduction and Recycling, Cllr Peter Schwier, said:

This is an important document which will influence the future of waste management in Essex for the next 30 years. It sets out how we can build on the positive progress we have already made as a county. We also want to go even further for the benefit of residents, businesses and the environment.

"We believe what we are proposing is not only vital to addressing the significant pressures of climate change, but it will also save money for taxpayers and public services in the long-term. However, we haven't made any final decisions. We’re here to listen to what residents and businesses have to say about the draft strategy and use what they tell us to inform the final version.”

The joint strategy is being shared on behalf of the Essex Waste Partnership. This includes the county and 12 district, city and borough councils in Essex.

The consultation is open until Wednesday 22 November. Don't waste the chance to have your say.

If you need support completing the consultation, please call 0345 6037625.