RESIDENTS in Thurrock have been offered the opportunity to help shape Thurrock's recycling policy through the launch of a new survey.

Following plans to increase Thurrock's recycling rate to 50% by 2030 and achieve zero waste to landfill, the Waste and Recycling Survey 2025 will be used to improve the council's understanding of local attitudes, behaviours and barriers around waste, recycling, and food waste in Thurrock.

Thurrock Council currently has one of the lowest recycling rates in the country (30%) and by improving the recycling rate by 20%, it aims to achieve zero waste going to landfill. Improving recycling rates has been seen to reduce carbon emissions, and lower the amount of energy and resources that are used to make materials such as paper and plastic.

Residents have until Sunday, 20 July to complete the survey and are encouraged to share how they manage waste at home, their awareness of local recycling services, and any challenges they currently face when it comes to recycling and food waste disposal.

The survey, which is now live, will run alongside a series of community workshops. The workshops will be delivered by local organisation, Start Thurrock, and give residents an opportunity to generate ideas that could inform future waste and recycling initiatives. 

Further details around when the workshops will take place will be shared on the Have My Say website.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, cabinet member for Place and Environment, said: "We are committed to delivering a service that's better for residents and better for the environment. This survey is a fantastic step to understanding how we can achieve our ambitious recycling and waste targets.

"I really encourage all our residents to share their views on our recycling and waste service, and any challenges that might be stopping them from recycling as much as they may like".