COUNCIL GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO BETTER RECYCLING

19th February 2008

A combination of wheelie bins, black bags, recycling and food waste will be introduced across Calderdale as part of a major new scheme to deal with the borough’s household waste.

The thumbs up for the new scheme was given by councillors at last night’s Cabinet meeting where they heard that local residents could be hit hard in terms of future Council Tax rates if the authority did not meet the recycling targets set by Government.

By working closely with local residents, the scheme should mean that Calderdale can double its recycling rates to over 40% by 2010 with up to six recyclable materials being collected, including food waste, paper, plastic bottles, textiles, cans and glass.

The introduction of this new way of dealing with household waste comes on the back of extensive consultation in which 9 out of 10 residents surveyed, said they wanted to see improved recycling facilities throughout Calderdale.

Councillor Stephen Baines, Deputy Leader for Calderdale Council, said:

“Local residents have made it clear that they want to recycle more. This scheme will help this to happen but gives residents a choice as to how they can best contribute towards maintaining Calderdale as a fantastic place to live. Most importantly, the introduction of this scheme will reduce the chances of tax payers having to foot the bill as a result of targets set by Government and Europe.

If the Council did nothing to improve recycling rates, then by the year 2012/13 Council Tax could rise by up to 7% based upon increased landfill tax charges and Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme LATs penalties.

We need to get this right from the start and therefore we will consult with residents to ensure that the right solutions are offered to each household. For example, parts of the borough are very rural and we also have urban areas which mean that there won’t be one universal solution that fits all. This will also mean that in some instances it will not be possible for households to use standard wheelie bins."

Calderdale Council’s Group Director, Health and Social Care, Jonathan Phillips, said:

“We will investigate practical alternatives and find appropriate solutions where we need to, for example, the introduction of an assisted service for the elderly and more vulnerable. This new scheme will put us above the government set targets and will help us avoid government-imposed fines.”
 

The report considered by Cabinet yesterday, highlighted that the new scheme will help residents recycle more and there will be extensive support services put in place to assist residents in understanding how the new service will work. As a part of this, there is to be a comprehensive assisted bin service for people such as the elderly or infirm who may feel that they need help with moving wheelie bins for collection.

The new scheme will see a standard household provided, free of charge, with:
 

• a wheelie bin or black bag for waste that cannot be recycled (“residual waste”)
• a box and a bag for recycling paper, glass, cans and plastic bottles (“recyclables”)
• food waste containers for uneaten food from plates and dishes; meat and fish (raw and cooked including bones); all dairy products, such as eggs and cheese; vegetables and fruit (raw and cooked); bread, cakes and pastries; pasta, rice and beans; and, tea and coffee grounds.

Recyclables and food waste will be collected weekly. Waste that cannot be recycled will be collected fortnightly; all collections will be on the same day. In areas where wheelie bins are not appropriate residents will continue to use black bags.

There is flexibility in how residents can use the scheme so if residents do not wish to use the plastics or kitchen waste services, they do not have to. However, if they do, it will help the environment and contribute towards reducing future Council Tax rates.

Cabinet also decided on the successful contractor who will take the scheme forward. Over the coming year the Council, in consultation with local people, will finalise how the new system will operate and how it will be implemented. For example which residents will get their bins first, the preparation of a new collection schedule and which households may need to be served by an alternative system if they cannot accommodate wheelie bins. It is estimated that 25% of the borough will not be able to use the wheelie bins but until further consultation has taken place it is not yet known which properties will be affected.

The contract will start on August 1 and the scheme is expected to roll out across the borough in 2009. Information packs will be delivered to all households in the borough and adverts detailing the new service will appear in the local press. The Council will also be holding road-shows at a number of venues across the area to offer help and advice. For more information call 0845 245 7000 or visit the Council’s website www.calderdale.gov.uk.
 

For further information also see frequently asked questions.