The app is nominated in the Digital Innovation Public Engagement Tool or Supply Chain Impact category, acknowledging its success in providing residents with quick and easy access to waste and recycling information, thereby supporting environmental objectives across the city. This nomination comes one year after the new service between the council and SUEZ commenced.
Launched to facilitate Southend's transition to wheeled bins and fortnightly waste collections, the app has become an essential resource, achieving over 53,000 downloads to date. It offers features such as collection day reminders, service alerts, street-specific updates, a comprehensive recycling search tool, and easy access to service information and reporting functions.
Since its introduction, the app has been instrumental in boosting engagement with recycling services, improving resident communication, and promoting more sustainable waste management practices in Southend. Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, stated, “Being shortlisted for a National Recycling Award is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the positive impact this app is having across Southend. By making it easier for residents to access information and recycle correctly, it is helping us build a cleaner, greener city.”
This collaboration highlights how local authorities, service providers, and technology partners can unite through digital innovation to deliver tangible environmental benefits. The app supports Southend's broader goals of waste reduction, increased recycling rates, and minimising carbon emissions from collection operations.
James Gatter, SUEZ Southend Contract Manager, commented, "We are delighted that the Southend Resident Waste App has been shortlisted for a National Recycling Award. This achievement recognises the strong partnership between SUEZ, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Cloud 9 Technologies, as well as the fantastic engagement from Southend residents. The app has transformed how we communicate with residents and supports our shared goal of making it easier for people to recycle correctly and reduce waste."
The winners of the MRW National Recycling Awards will be announced later this year. Residents can find more information about the app at: Resident recycling and waste bin app.
