Waste collection improvements on the horizon
Apri19
The changes will include a simpler recycling system, a weekly food waste collection service and other changes, which will not only improve the service but which will also give better value for money to residents. The changes come as the result of about half of the Council’s waste collection vehicles needing replacement. This has given the Council the opportunity to look at the latest industry methods and review its current practices.
The new recycling system will mean that the two plastic boxes, currently used, will be replaced by a third wheelie bin. All recyclates; glass, paper, cardboard, tins, plastics and new items such as Tetrapak cartons will go into the new bin. This means that there will be more space for the items, and residents will not have to sort the items as they currently do nor lift heavy boxes.
Households will also be given special caddies for the collection of food waste, which will be emptied by the Council each week.
Other changes will include a revision of collection days to ensure that collections are less affected by bank holidays.
The changes will take place from summer 2013 when the new vehicles come into service. Prior to this residents will be consulted on the changes to see how they can be best implemented. This will be followed by an education programme to ensure that everyone understands the changes and South Northamptonshire Council will work with all households to make sure that they can accommodate the new system.
Cllr Dermot Bambridge, portfolio holder for environment and waste management said: “These changes will not only mean that residents will get a better service but also they will be more cost effective, allowing us to invest more into the improved service and with no extra cost.
“Many residents do not realise the cost of disposing of the general household waste in landfill sites. This is offset by the sale of the recyclates, which currently fetch high prices, and we have negotiated contracts that will guarantee these prices for some time to come.
“As well as saving tons of food from going into expensive landfill, experience from other parts of the country shows that when people realise how much food they throw away each week, many change their shopping habits and save money.”
SNC has recently made changes to the way in which cardboard is recycled and would like to thank residents for making the switch. This is a temporary measure and the first stage towards the improvements agreed by Council.