THE new recycling scheme in the Rochford district has caused confusion and headaches for many residents.

They say they have been left in the dark about the new three-bin system. Problems have included changed collection days and the failure to deliver new bins, a problem encountered by Alisia Nichols, pictured, who lives in Derwent Avenue, Rayleigh.

In an effort to clear up misunderstandings about the new scheme, the Echo asked Rochford District Council to give a guidethe new scheme.

Here is what it told us:

Each household has been given three bins:

1. A green one for compostable waste such as vegetable and fruit peelings, tea leaves and bags, eggshells, dairy products, bread, meat and fish including bones, plate-scrapings, garden prunings, grass cuttings, flowers, bedding plants, leaves, hedge clippings and weeds.

2. A dark grey one for recyclable waste such as newspapers, magazines, phone books, cardboard, bottles and jars, food and drink cans and all plastics, including plastic bags 3. A grey bin with a purple lid for non-recyclable waste such as black bin liners, bubble-wrap, animal faeces, clingfilm, crisp packets, chocolate and biscuit wrappers, broken glass (but not broken jars and bottles) light bulbs, nappies, polystyrene and textiles.

* The scheme started last Monday, when residents across the whole district were first due to have their compostables and non-recyclables collected. Next week, the compostables and recyclables will be collected. The scheme will then alternate in this way each week.

* Residents can find out if their collection days have changed by clicking on the links below.

Alternatively, call the council on 01702 546366.