FREE bulky waste collections are returning to Basildon in a bid to give residents another chance to discard unwanted fridges, washing machines and prevent mounds of rubbish piling up in the borough.

“The Crunch” mobile waste collections will return to Basildon on Saturday November 23 after they were successfully run throughout July and August in estates across the borough.

During the two months, thousands of residents were supported to discard their bulky waste and 332 tonnes of waste - the equivalent of 30 double decker buses - were cleared.

The move was introduced throughout July by the new Labour administration in response to the former administration’s waste scheme which was blamed for an increase of rubbish in the streets.

Basildon Labour councillor for environment and leisure Aidan McGurran, said: “The crunch was so popular, ever since crunch month finished people have been asking can we have more.

“So, I am delighted to be able to announce the return of the crunch in November, bringing waste services back to your neighbourhoods.”

Six locations have been proposed for November 23, one in each area of Basildon, Billericay, Laindon, Pitsea, Westley Heights and Wickford.

Mr McGurran added: “Crunch month was an overwhelming success as thousands of residents came out each week to dispose of their waste and bulky items for free.

“People helped family, friends, neighbours, and those that weren’t able to access the crunch, demonstrating a real community spirit.

“I look forward to announcing the locations in due course.”

The council is currently running a consultation - set to close on September 29 - over the future of rubbish collections in the borough.

Residents are being asked to give their preference over when bins are collected after weekly black sack collections were replaced by bi-weekly black bin collections and new recycling collections introduced.

On the consultation, which has two weeks left, Mr McGurran said: “Your feedback will help us create a waste and recycling service that you truly want.

“This is residents’ opportunity to have their voices heard on an issue we know they care passionately about.

“We are listening and we will act on what the consultation tells us.

“This is a genuine and transparent process.”