Waste Service Reform - Basildon Borough Council

Basildon Borough Council is committed to delivering efficient, sustainable waste and recycling services that reflect local priorities. To ensure future improvements are both environmentally responsible and financially viable, the council launched a consultation to give residents a direct voice in shaping how waste services operate across the borough.

Approach

By launching their engagement strategy on Commonplace, Basildon engaged the public in a detailed consultation on current and future waste and recycling services. Residents were asked to provide feedback on collection frequency, bin types, service accessibility, and possible enhancements.

Key stats:

• Visitors: 30,000 +

• Contributions: 7,800 +

The platform allowed for real-time input, combining structured surveys with open comments to capture detailed local insight.

Broad participation

To ensure broad participation, the council deployed a multichannel outreach strategy including online promotion, local newsletters, and community forums. This approach made it easy for residents of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the service review.

The consultation encouraged residents to weigh convenience, sustainability, and cost. Participants were informed that changes in service frequency or container types could lead to increased costs elsewhere—prompting thoughtful, balanced responses.

Impact

The feedback highlighted clear community preferences, concerns about missed collections, and support for greener options—such as food waste separation and increased recycling. Residents also voiced strong opinions about accessibility for older and disabled residents, and the need for clearer communication on service schedules.

This input is now being used to inform future service design and delivery, helping the council align operations with real-world use and expectations.

Outcome

Basildon Borough Council has demonstrated how structured engagement can drive smarter public services. By involving 30,000 residents in shaping their waste and recycling system, the council has strengthened trust, enhanced transparency, and ensured the service is both responsive and financially sustainable.

This model sets a strong precedent for resident-led service design—proving that local people, when given the tools, can play a powerful role in shaping everyday public services.