The Southend Resident Waste App, developed through a partnership between SUEZ, the council and Cloud 9 Technologies, has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 MRW National Recycling Awards.
The app has been nominated in the Digital Innovation Public Engagement Tool or Supply Chain Impact category, recognising its success in helping residents access waste and recycling information quickly and easily while supporting environmental goals across the city.
It has now been one year since the new service between the council and SUEZ started. Launched to support Southend's transition to wheeled bins and fortnightly waste collections, the app has since become an essential resource for residents, with more than 53,000 downloads to date.
The app provides a range of features designed to make managing household waste and recycling simpler, including:
- Collection day reminders and service alerts
- Street-specific collection information and updates
- A comprehensive recycling search tool to help residents dispose of items correctly
- Easy access to service information and reporting functions
Since its launch, the app has played a key role in increasing engagement with recycling services, improving communication with residents, and encouraging more sustainable waste management behaviours across Southend.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: “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.”
The collaboration demonstrates how local authorities, service providers and technology partners can work together to use digital innovation to deliver practical environmental benefits for communities. By helping residents recycle more effectively and stay informed about local services, the app supports Southend's wider ambitions to reduce waste, increase recycling rates and minimise carbon emissions associated with collection operations.
James Gatter, SUEZ Southend Contract Manager, said: "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 who have not downloaded the app yet can find more information at: Resident recycling and waste bin app