Refuse Collection - good news.

Several residents have contacted us about the introduction of the green recycling bins and new refuse collection guidelines. People are concerned how the new system will work, and these concerns have been exacerbated by the hot summer months leading to rotting food that not only smells foul but also attracts flies and maggots.

We have been speaking to environmental health officials about the problem, and we hope the following information will assist in future:

The most important thing to remember is food waste can be placed in either bin.

Many people seem to think that food waste has to go in the traditional black bin and will only be emptied once a fortnight. This is not so. You can dispose of food in whichever bin is next to be emptied. However, if you are placing food waste in the green bin, please wrap it in paper not plastic. We are pressing T&MBC to supply households, at cost price, with bio-degradable paper sacks (like you used to get in supermarkets) as these will be far easier to use when disposing of food than wrapping it in paper. As soon as a decision is made we will let you know.

We have also been informed that a larger black bin can be supplied to households of 6 or more people. In such cases a baby, or child in nappies, counts as two people.

Some households have commented that they compost their green waste and take their glass and newspaper to local recycling points, and they therefore have no use for a green bin. If this applies to you, simply contact the council and they will take the green bin away. You will still be able to dispose of green waste in a traditional sack - but leave the sack open so the collection teams can see what it contains.

Finally, in response to the many residents who have asked us about recycling plastics. Good news ! Up to now, T&MBC has not offered this facility as they were unable to find a contractor who would guarentee the waste would be recycled properly. However, this problem has now been overcome and we are pleased to report that 8 recycling points will now accept plastics. It is hoped to increase this facility over time as the contractor increases capacity.

Further information on safe disposal of rubbish and prevention of bad smells and maggots can be obtained from the T&MBC website (CLICK HERE) or from the waste disposal helpline on 01732 876146 or by email: waste.services@tmbc.gov.uk. Thank you.