Tracy Carter, Service Director for Waste
Management gave an update on the changes to the waste collection
service due to be implemented in March 2012, this included:
- Once the fortnightly
household waste and recycling collection service is in place, a
projection showed that Wiltshire could achieve a 50% recycling
rate.
·
The green lidded bins for the opt in garden waste
collection service would be delivered from 5 March in the south to
those households who registered before September 2011.
·
The fortnightly collection service of household
waste would commence on 26 March 2012.
- A schedule of
collection days and dates for the new services would be sent to
each household from 5 March.
Questions and
Comments:
- Can you confirm
whether we can put shredded paper into the blue lidded bins?
Answer: Yes, shredded paper and brown paper can be included in the
plastic bottle and cardboard bin.
- Why are the public
waste bins on the pavements emptied on an erratic basis rather than
on a regular schedule; when the household waste collection lorry
visits? Answer: Those bins tend to be emptied using a different
vehicle, as they have a different purpose than the household bins,
however if a public waste bin is seen to be in need of emptying,
people could call 0300 456 0100. Note: this has been investigated
further since the meeting took place. Residents can report a
full litter bin using an on-line form on the Wiltshire Council
Website. The waste and recycling collection service are
working with colleagues from street scene to try to improve
delivery of this service.
- A resident who lived
in a terrace property asked if they would be able to continue to
use black sacks to dispose of their rubbish, as they did not have
any room to store a wheeled bin? Answer: Yes this service will
continue for those households who cannot store a wheeled bin.
Stickers will be issued to indicate that the sacks contain
household waste. But those residents who would like a wheeled bin
can request one.
- Will there be a
£1,000 fine for households whose bin lid does not close on collection
day, due to too much waste being stored in it? Answer: There is a
government consultation at the moment to look at the level of
fines. In order for the bins to be loaded and lifted safely the
lids need to be closed. Wiltshire Council’s approach is to
work with residents to ensure they can manage with the services
provided. Tracy agreed to send the details of the
consultation to Cllr Devine.
- When recycling glass
bottles, 90% of the cost comes from melting the glass, are there
any initiatives to recycle used bottles whole for reuse? Answer:
The council would always promote reusing before recycling , however
the companies which use glass must find it more financially viable
to recycle than to reuse, otherwise they would introduce
initiatives for the return of bottles.
Tracy agreed to speak to anyone
wishing to ask further questions either after the meeting or in
response to emailed questions.