Cllr Scrivens outlines Lib Dem plans for new refuse collection service (South West Surrey Liberal Democrats)

South West Surrey Liberal Democrats <info@swsurreylibdems.org.uk>

Cllr Scrivens outlines Lib Dem plans for new refuse collection service

November 17, 2005 12:00 AM

Detailed plans to help local residents recycle and reduce their household waste whilst safeguarding the borough's beautiful environment for future generations are being drawn up by Waverley Borough Council.

In July, Waverley councillors approved proposals to introduce the kerbside collection of plastics and phase-in the alternate weekly collection of recyclable materials and residual waste. These changes to how Waverley collects the borough's waste will be phased in gradually from April next year. All households will be notified and receive detailed information well in advance of when their phase begins.

Householders will also be offered assistance by a team of staff dedicated to ensure any questions, problems or concerns are quickly and effectively dealt with.

In addition, shortly before their phase begins, each Waverley resident will receive an extra container to hold their recyclable plastics. This is in addition to the recycling containers residents already have for cans and aerosols; newspapers, magazines and junk mail and glass jars and bottles. Elderly residents or those who are less able to manoeuvre the different containers will be able to benefit from an assisted collections service.

Councillor Victor Scrivens, Waverley's portfolio holder for the environment, says: "Between now and April we are making careful preparations to ensure the transition to alternate weekly collections will be as smooth as possible. It's clear that most people support Waverley in its objective to improve recycling and protect the environment. However, we do understand that some may have worries about exactly how the new system will work in practice.

"Waverley strongly believes that the introduction of alternate weekly collections is the best step forward to increase the amount of waste that is recycled and reduce the amount that goes to landfill. This system of refuse collection has already been introduced by more than 100 local authorities across England, including our neighbouring districts of East Hants and Mole Valley, and has proved fundamental in helping other councils to increase their recycling rates.

"Since we introduced a policy of one bin per household last year, Waverley residents have worked tremendously hard to help the council recycle more than 10,000 tonnes of household waste and I congratulate them for that. However, we are all becoming increasingly aware that we all need to do more to safeguard the environment. Meeting the government's clear target that all local authorities should be recycling at least 30 per cent of household waste by 2007/8, the equivalent of recycling at least another 5,000 tonnes of rubbish, is a target that is easily achievable if we all play our part.

"Whilst Waverley will still be collecting waste every week this new system will give people the opportunity to recycle, much more easily than at present. I also hope that the new system will help us all to look more carefully at what we buy, with a view to reducing the amount we need to throw away."

In further efforts to ensure the smooth introduction of alternate weekly collections, Waverley is working with neighbouring authorities that have already phased in a similar service to benefit from their experience. In addition, Waverley councillors will also have the opportunity to take part in a trial so that they can personally experience the service before it is offered to residents.