Cheshire East residents encouraged to ‘Be the BIG Difference’ with new recycling campaign

Residents across Cheshire East are being encouraged to ‘Be the BIG Difference’ by taking simple steps that boost recycling and cut down on waste.

From putting the right items in the right bin and recycling more, to finding easy ways to reduce waste at home, small everyday actions can make a big impact – helping to create a cleaner, greener borough. 

Over the coming months, Cheshire East Council will share practical tips and advice to help everyone recycle more, waste less and feel confident they’re doing their bit for the environment. 

The council’s ‘Be the BIG Difference’ campaign will also support residents ahead of changes to waste and recycling services coming this autumn, including the introduction of weekly food waste collections and a move to three-weekly black bin collections. 

Launched today, the campaign will be visible across Cheshire East, including on waste collection vehicles, in libraries, on social media and at community events. 

Councillor David Jefferay, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said:

“The Be the BIG Difference campaign is about giving residents the information and confidence they need to recycle correctly and reduce waste. 

“Small actions, like knowing what can and can’t be recycled, making new meals from leftovers, or donating, repurposing, or selling on unwanted items, can make a big difference when we all do them together.

“The campaign will also help households get ready for the upcoming service changes this autumn, and we’ll make sure residents have all the information they need ahead of the changes coming in.” 

Clear recycling guidance is a key focus of the campaign. Putting the right items in the right bin helps ensure more waste can be recycled while preventing contamination that can spoil whole loads.  

Residents are encouraged to put items into their silver bin clean, dry and loose. Putting items in that are wet, for example, can cause paper and cardboard fibres to break down so they then cannot be recycled. 

The campaign also highlights the importance of safely disposing of hazardous waste such as batteries, vapes and electrical items. Incorrect disposal has led to a rise in fires in bin lorries and at waste facilities, posing a serious risk to staff and the public. 

Alongside recycling guidance, Be the BIG Difference promotes waste reduction and reuse, sharing tips on cutting food waste, home composting, choosing reusable products and giving unwanted items a new lease of life through donation or reuse schemes. 

More information about the campaign and practical waste and recycling advice.