Recycling update
From Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Mrs Wild on 15 March 2010
Residents in Solihull have recycled over 4,692 tonnes of their rubbish since new kerbside collections were introduced by Solihull Council in Autumn last year.
The Council released the latest recycling figures this week along with details of plans to encourage residents to recycle even more.
People who live in the borough have the opportunity to recycle paper, glass, cans, card and plastic bottles as well as garden waste as part of their collection service.
As well as these collections, the Council has introduced black wheelie bins for any waste that can’t be recycled. The new kerbside recycling collections mean that residents can now recycle the majority of their waste and the black wheelie bins are big enough for any waste left over. However to encourage maximum recycling, Councillors from all parties have agreed that a ‘no side waste’ policy should be introduced, this means that any extra waste placed by residents beside their black wheelie bins will not be collected.
To allow people to get used to the new services during these first few months, the Council has been collecting any extra waste left out and tagging the bin of the property involved with a reminder that side waste should not be left out, with a further offer of help to encourage more recycling.
However from 1 June, the Council is planning to take a more formal approach. This would ultimately lead to residents who repeatedly leave extra waste out, finding that this is not collected, therefore meaning that they have to find room for this waste in their bin the following week.
Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Mrs Kate Wild added: “The amount of recycling residents have collected so far is fantastic. We hope that by asking residents not to put out extra waste, we can encourage people to make the most of their recycling collections and recycle as much of our waste as possible. Between now and 1 June, we will be working with the small proportion of residents who are having difficulty in reducing their extra waste to help them resolve any issues they may have and increase their recycling. We appreciate that the new services have meant a big change for people and I hope that residents will continue to work with us to make them a success.”
Opposition spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat Group Councillor Tim Hodgson said: “It is vital that we reduce the amount of waste that we produce in the borough and to recycle as much of it as possible. Solihull residents have embraced the new waste and recycling services and I hope that they will now step up to the mark again and help us to recycle as much as possible by not leaving out extra waste.”
Opposition spokesperson for the Labour Group Councillor Graham Craig added: “Following the successful roll out of the recycling strategy, we need to encourage the very small minority of residents who leave side waste, to go that final mile and make it 100% successful. If some residents are experiencing problems with recycling they can contact the Council who will give help and advice to alleviate any problems.”
For more information about waste and recycling services in Solihull, visit: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/ email: connectcc@solihull.gov.uk or call 0121 704 8000.
For enquiries from members of the press and media only: 0121 704 8172
Email: juharrison@solihull.gov.uk