Reusable bags are being dropped off on doorsteps as a council makes changes to its recycling service which it says will save £200,000.

Sevenoaks council is phasing out its clear recycling sacks and introducing “reusable recycling bags” to most households.

For operational reasons, some residents who live in flats use communal bins and also certain properties in New Ash Green will not be given a reusable recycling bag.

Households not receiving a reusable bag will be notified by post.

Other residents will start receiving their bag from Monday and can use it straightaway.

Residents should continue to use their clear sacks until and they have received their new bag.

The recycling bag is for paper, cardboard, cans, foil and plastic bottles, pots and trays.

To keep the bag clean, and to support effective recycling, all recyclable items should be clean, dry and loose.

When residents receive their new bag, they should write their house number or name in the space provided with a permanent marker.

The bag should be left out by the kerb for collection by 7am on residents’ usual weekly collection day.

The recycling bag is weighted, waterproof and resealable.

Earlier this month, the council opened a new £2 million waste transfer station to help improve the efficiency of its waste collection services.

The new station can process up to 75,000 tons of rubbish a year.

When full, it is approximately 600mm (2ft) wide by 600mm deep and 900mm (3ft) high.

It will hold 190 litres of recycling, the equivalent of about three of the clear sacks.

Cllr Irene Roy is the council’s cabinet member for “cleaner and greener”. She said: “Our new reusable recycling bag is good news for the environment.

“Not only will there be a reduction in single-use plastics, but also our trials found households recycle more of their waste using this bag.

“It’s a tried and tested system that’s in use by 130 councils across the country.

“We are committed to continual improvement and finding new ways to deliver a more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable waste collection service while retaining high levels of customer satisfaction.”

The new bags will mean the council no longer has to drop-off clear sacks to every household and is expected to save £200,000 a year.