PRESS RELEASE
Issued by:
Councillor Ann Bridson Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Environment
Date of Issue: January 16th 2008
Contact number: 201 7310

WATCHDOG AGREES MOVES TO KEEP RECYCLING ON TRACK AND CLEAN UP NEIGHBOURHOODS

Wirral Council's Environment watchdog committee last night agreed moves to help keep Wirral's recycling rates on the up and promote clean neighbourhoods.

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee approved measures to prevent contamination of the recycled waste collected from Wirral's households and problems arising from bins left outside properties.

Councillor Ann Bridson , Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on the Committee said,

“Wirral is now recycling a huge 22% more of its household waste than in 2006/07. This represents a fantastic response from Wirral people. The vast majority of residents are obviously working hard to recycle.

“The measures we supported last night are only intended for the small minority who are undermining those efforts by choosing not to use their recycling bins appropriately.”

“An individual contaminated bin can contaminate a whole bin wagon, this then has to be diverted to landfill at a cost of £100 per tonne, that's approximately £600 per wagon - a cost we all have to bear.”

Councillors were told that contamination of recycling bins is resulting in entire wagons of recycling material being rejected from the Bidston recycling facility and consigned to landfill. Some large items of contamination had found their way into the recycling facility and, if undetected, could have caused extensive damage to the valuable equipment.

Councillor Bridson continued,

“Something clearly needs to be done but we anticipate that the sanction of fines will rarely be needed.

“Residents will have four opportunities to use the facilities properly via a system of warnings accompanied by information and advice from our staff. Every effort will be made to help those in need of support.”

Councillor Bridson went on to stress that the enforcement measures were not just about contamination but also about the need to address the problems of bins on the highway and waste left in bags next to bins (side waste).

“Bins left outside properties after collection day are dangerous for pedestrians, and provide opportunities for vandalism. Waste left in bags next to bins can cause litter.

“It is in everyone's interests that our streets and neighbourhoods are kept clean and clear of obstructions.”

Click here for the report to last night's Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee