SUEZ starts recycling and waste collections in Leigh-on-sea

April 8, 2025

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has officially started as the council’s recycling and waste contractor.

The company took over the contract from Veolia on Saturday 5 April and are now responsible for the city’s recycling and waste collections, along with street cleansing services and the operation of our two recycling centres (HWRC’s).

The council wants to reassure residents that their recycling and waste collections will continue as usual without any immediate changes. Residents should continue to present their recycling and waste as they do now and report any missed collections within two days via My Southend. If missed collections are reported before midday, the collection will be cleared in the afternoon, and if reported after midday, it will be cleared the following day.

The existing service will remain in place until 27 October 2025, which is when the enhanced recycling scheme will start.

Over the coming months, residents will notice a brand-new fleet of SUEZ branded vehicles as part of the enhanced waste collection service. The council will provide further updates to keep residents informed. In the meantime, SUEZ is surveying properties across the city to ensure they are suitable for wheelie bins, with deliveries set to begin in August 2025.

Cllr Lydia Hyde, cabinet member for climate, environment and waste, said: “I’m pleased that SUEZ have now started their work with Southend-on-Sea, and look forward to working with them. I would like to also thank Veolia for their commitment and service to Southend-on-Sea over the last nine and a half years. “Whilst residents can expect no immediate changes to their collections, we’re working closely with SUEZ behind the scenes to prepare for the start of the enhanced recycling scheme from 27 October. In the meantime, we want residents to continue with their current routine by presenting their recycling, food waste, and waste at the kerbside as usual.

“The transition period is an essential step in ensuring that the new system is implemented smoothly and successfully. I’d like to reassure residents that while changes are on the horizon, we remain committed to maintaining high-quality services and engaging with the community throughout this process.”

Dan Gillert, General Manager at SUEZ, added: “We are pleased to officially begin our partnership with Southend-on-Sea City Council, delivering waste collection, recycling and street cleansing services across the city. Our team is committed to providing a reliable and high-quality service for residents, and we look forward to working closely with the Council to support a smooth transition from 5 April.

“In the coming months, residents will start to see our new vehicles on the streets as we prepare for the introduction of the enhanced collection service in October. We are excited to bring our experience and expertise to Southend and we look forward to getting to work on improving recycling rates, supporting the city’s sustainability goals, and delivering lasting benefits for the local community.”

Leigh Marshes HWRC will be closed for a refresh, including a new layout and signage from Saturday 5 April and will re-open on Saturday 12 April. During this period, residents are advised to use the Stock Road HWRC, which will remain open throughout the week as an alternative location for waste disposal.

For more information and to stay up to date with any developments, residents are encouraged to visit the council’s updated Frequently Asked Questions page at Recycling and waste collections from mid to late 2025 – Southend-on-Sea City Council