Bin collections are changing for many households across England but Gloucester residents are among those unaffected.
There will be new requirements for councils to meet which include food waste collections every week. This is being introduced in a bid to improve rates of recycling.
This is at a time when the Government says rates have ‘plateaued’ at 42-44 per cent of items being recycled, with the rest going into landfill.
They want councils across the country to offer the same level of recycling, meaning that some cutting the number of bin lorry trips will be brought to an end.
The Government says a new, simpler common-sense approach to recycling means people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school, putting an end to confusion over what can and can’t be recycled in different parts of the country.
Council leader Richard Cook (C, Kingsway) says the City Council is ahead of the curve and already implemented the changes.
And earlier this year the authority saw an almost four times increase in cash from recycling.
“Fortunately we’re already in-line with what the government has proposed as we’ve collected food waste and recycling weekly for many years, along with fortnightly waste collections,” he said.
“We recently introduced a coffee pod recycling service which has been very well received, since June we’ve collected 160,000 coffee pods that would have ended up in people’s bins.
“All of the recycling waste we collect is recycled and sold that then contributes to the cost of providing the service. It’s a win-win for residents.”
Residents can help the City Council by reducing the amount in their black bins and ensuring they use the recycling service fully.
If you have a large bin and would like a new slimline one instead please contact the Council at heretohelp@gloucester.gov.uk
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter