RESIDENTS across Thurrock are being encouraged to keep making their recycling efforts count as part of this year's Recycle Week, running from today (Monday 14) to 20 September.

A statement from the council says: "In Thurrock, we have seen an increase of 166 tonnes of dry mixed recycling collected through blue bins between April and July 2026, compared with the same period last year. The improvements reflect the combined efforts of residents, frontline waste crews, and the Council's ongoing communications campaign, "Let's get it sorted" - encouraging people to recycle the right items in the right bin.

"Recycle Week, which is led by Recycle Now and WRAP, is a great opportunity to celebrate the difference recycling can make and continue to encourage everyone to recycle as much as they can, as correctly as possible."

At the recent Orsett Show (Saturday, 5 September) the council's waste services team hosted a stall, engaging with residents and visitors to help them recycle better in the borough. They spent time educating the public on the authority's waste and recycling services, and handing out leaflets, recycling bags, and magnets.

A spokesperson said: "Visitors of all ages were entertained with recycling-themed games, and many children (and adults!) were excited at the opportunity to sit in the council's waste collection vehicles.

Members of Thurrrock Council's waste services team, at the Orsett Show.

"It was a great opportunity for our waste services team to do something different and for the community to speak to some of our frontline teams."

Today Cllr Tom Kelly, cabinet member for Regeneration & Environment, said: "Seeing an increase in our dry mixed recycling compared to last year is a great achievement and thank you to all residents and businesses who recycle right.

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"Recycle Week provides us with the opportunity to remind ourselves that the small actions we make at home or at work really do make a difference.

Cllr Tom Kelly issues a recycling message.

"Recycling is something that everyone can get involved with, and by putting the right items in the right bin, residents and businesses can help us reduce waste, save valuable resources and make a positive difference to our environment.

"This Recycle Week, let's make our recycling efforts count."

Residents can find out more about waste and recycling here: Waste and recycling | Thurrock Council.

And they can also find out what happens to local waste and recycling once collected here: What happens to your waste? | Household waste and recycling | Thurrock Council