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| Author | Topic: Contamination problems |
| Doretta |
posted 9/9/05 12:37 AM
This article from letsrecycle.com proves our point about contamination problems. Whether councils collect dry recyclables or garden waste, if residents do not continue to receive general waste weekly collections they will be more than tempted to contaminate recycling bins: Bolton council in green waste quality plea to residents (09.09.05) Gardeners in Bolton are being asked not to put the wrong type of waste into council green waste collections. Bolton metropolitan borough council has collected nearly 3,700 tonnes of green waste in the last four months – more than double the amount collected during the summer last year. However, the council said 112 tonnes of material – the equivalent of 12 full vehicles – have had to be thrown in landfills because it was contaminated with other materials. Householders can put grass cuttings, leaves, twigs, prunings, hedge clippings, flowers and plants and uncooked fruit and vegetables in their green bin. But, they are being urged not to include plastic bags, bricks, stone, rubble, soil, pet waste, kitchen waste or general rubbish. Care Councillor Roger Hayes, executive member for environmental services said: "We are very encouraged by the efforts of so many Bolton residents to recycle. However, just a little more care when placing contents into the green bin will make such a significant difference. "The green bin system is an easy and effective way for people to play a part in making a difference as far as the local environment is concerned. We hope everyone will continue to work with us and recycle as much as we can," Cllr Hayes said. Since July, Bolton has been running an alternate weekly collection system in which one week sees residual waste (in grey bins) and paper (in white bags) are collected, while the alternate week sees dry recyclables (green box), green waste (green bin) and paper (white bags) collected. Ref; www.letsrecycle.com 9th September 2005 |
| Anna |
posted 10/1/05 5:51 PM
Don't the recycling collectors just leave the contamination in the boxes when they collect the recycling? or am I missing something? Our recycling collection people leave the things they can't take in the box with a note explaining why they can't take them. I understand that some councils don't have proper recycling trucks like ours does. Our council uses trucks where the different things are put into different cages by the recycling people. I have three recycling ladies that collect my stuff. They are always very cheerful and helpful. Kind regards, Anna |
| Doretta |
posted 10/4/05 6:48 PM
Anna, these schemes vary in what receptacles are provided for householders. In some cases boxes are used and these would be difficult to misuse by placing wrong materials within. In many other areas a second wheelie bin is provided for either dry recyclables or garden waste. It is well documented that people do "hide" general waste e.g. food waste, nappies etc in their recycling bins, hence the high contamination levels and subsequent rejection rates at MRFs. In Sutton their contamination rates were as high as 70% so it is little wonder that they reverted to weekly collections. |
| alf |
posted 5/24/06 11:21 AM
The answer is to prosecute everyone who either contaminates or does not recycle. If you are on a three bin system plus box your garden/organic waste, your paper/cardboard and plastcs/bottles and cans are all recycled why can you you not cope with a two weekly collection. Additionally most areas have either recycling bays and clothes banks. Get real and start supporting the initiative rather than decrying, accept responsibility and let your needs influence your buying practices, if its got too much packaging buy something else. |
| Jamie |
posted 5/24/06 4:26 PM
Too right alf. The problem is not the new system it's the people that refuse to accept and adapt to the system. I agree, prosecute them and send out the message that the days of unlimited black bins bags being collected each week are over. |
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