On Monday the new food waste collections will start. Part of the government’s plans to simplify recycling across the country, the new scheme will mean residents will have food waste collected every week. There’s more information in this release, which also has a link to a full list of what can and can’t go in your new caddies.
We’ve also produced a series of helpful videos for social media, starring some of the excellent Veolia staff who will be doing the new collections. In this one, Dylan tells us how you can line your new kitchen caddy with nearly anything except a black bag, or nothing at all. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for more of these videos, which are all aimed at answering questions we’ve had about the new service.
I’m looking forward to seeing if I can cut down my own food waste with the new system, and I’m pleased that the new separate collections will mean that food waste is no longer burned, but instead it’ll be processed and turned into fertiliser for farms and into renewable energy. I’m aware that the new service hasn’t yet been rolled out to people living in flats who don’t have their own bins, something will be coming in 2027 on that front and we’ll share details of that in the new year.
Earlier this week I paid a visit to Sherbourne’s recycling plant in Coventry. This stems from a question I was asked when I was interviewed on BBC WM, it was about where our recycling goes. Whilst I knew in theory, I thought it would be a good idea to go and see for myself. The plant is amazingly efficient; I was impressed at the rate everything is sorted but I was struck by how much stuff people throw into their recycling bins that doesn’t belong there. Used nappies for example, definitely cannot be recycled. Nor can car batteries. Vapes should not be included, there have been a number of fires as a result of vapes being discarded in the recycling bins, batteries and vapes have a tendency to ignite when under pressure. Please be careful with what you throw away and remember some things need to be disposed of with particular care.
Our ever-popular apprenticeship show is returning later this month. It gives young people a great opportunity to learn about post-16 pathways. This includes apprenticeships (naturally) but also BTECs and T-Levels. There’s a chance to speak to current apprentices and meet loads of great prospective employers across lots of different sectors. We had over a thousand people there last time, so I’m hope to see lots of people at Cranmore Park again on Wednesday 21 October. There’s a bit of space left in the room for a couple more exhibitors too, so if your business takes on apprentices and is keen to meet young people who might be interested in a career with you, you can sign up using this form.
I know many of you are waiting for news about whether our SEND reform plan has been accepted by the Department for Education. The DfE have a thorough process for considering all of the SEND reform plans submitted by local areas which was due to be completed in September. We are still waiting to hear whether Solihull’s plan has been approved. We will of course update you once we have received their response.
A little reminder that our Later Life drop-in events are taking place soon, Friday 9 October between 12 and 5pm at The Loft in Chelmsley Wood and Monday 12 October from 12.30 to 3.30pm at The Core in Solihull. They offer the chance to talk to local experts about a range of topics including finances and planning, vaccinations and health, and housing and care choices.
I mentioned last week that the Draft Submission Plan of our new Local Plan was going to Cabinet this week, it did and will now go forward to Full Council next week for discussion.
Finally, I went along to a round table discussion at Beatle Woods outdoor nursery in Balsall Common this week. We talked about many things including early years provision, the SEND Reforms, child led learning, the benefits of play and particularly outdoor play, support for all children to flourish, but particularly those with additional needs. It was a wonderful environment and a gentle reminder that we all need to get outdoors more.
Thank you for reading, enjoy your weekend.
Karen