THE first changes to recycling waste collection in Wiltshire have now come into force.

The changes, which will be rolled out from today to March 20, will mean more items going into the blue lidded bin instead of the black recycling box.

But, don't fret if you weren't aware, as residents will receive letters detailing the new date for their collections.

As reported, paper, food and drink cans, aerosols and tin foil, which were previously put in the black box, will be put in the blue lidded bin instead.

Wiltshire Council says it is "making it even easier for people to use the kerbside recycling collection service".

The changes will also mean that many households will see their collection day change.

Councillor Bridget Wayman, the cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said “These improvements to the kerbside recycling service will make it even easier for people to recycle their waste and help us increase the amount of waste we recycle.

"The service changes will take place from 24 February to 20 March, so we are asking people to look out for a letter which will tell them the dates of their last black box and blue lidded bin collection under the current system and the date of their first collection under the new system.

"Once they have received their letters, people can also visit our website to find out when their recycling collection day will be under the new arrangements.

"The collection day changes will improve the efficiency of our rounds and reduce the number of vehicles on our roads. Fewer vehicles mean we will reduce our environmental impact and contribute to our aim of becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030.”

The council says more efficient routes will also see fewer collection vehicles on the road, which will "further reduce its impact on the environment as part of its pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030".

Letters are being sent to every household in the county to inform them of their new collection day.

Once residents have received their letters they can go online and check their collection day and print off a "bespoke collection calendar" at wiltshire.gov.uk/waste.

• In the blue lidded bin you can recycle: cans, tins, aerosols, paper, cardboard, cartons, foil, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

• In your black box you can recycle: glass bottles and jars and bagged, dry textiles

• The blue lidded bins and black boxes will be emptied fortnightly on the same day, using new recycling collection vehicles.