A new contractor has started collecting refuse and recycling in Epping Forest.

Biffa Municipal won the £50million, ten-year contract, which also includes road cleaning, in July.

It started working on Monday and will retain the current system, but recycling can now include cartons.

A new weekly collection of small electrical equipment such as irons, kettles and toasters is due to be introduced in April next year.

A total of 58 per cent of the district’s waste was recycled last year