Wheelie bin trials
Recent reports in some newspapers may have confused readers about City Council plans for future kerbside refuse and recycling, says Simon Collin, the Solid Waste Manager.
"We're committed to cutting the amount of waste going to landfill, but no decisions have been made about what to do next with kerbside services," he says. And whatever options are accepted by the City Councillors would then be subject to public consultation.
There are two streams of preparatory work being done by staff. "First, we're looking at options to upgrade from the green kerbside recycling crates. That's because the tonnages of material being collected has doubled since the system began - from 11,000 tonnes a year to 22,000 - and we expect that growth to continue. On many streets today, the green crates are simply overflowing with material.
"A fortnightly wheelie bin-based collection, for example, may be a practical and cost-effective approach to that growth."
Second is a trail to see what can be done to divert kitchen food scraps and other plant material from the black bags.
Mr Collin says staff are testing two ideas: a wheelie bin-based collection and promoting more home composting.
"Diverting food scraps and other material that rots is a priority because that type of waste makes up a good proportion of the average rubbish bag and because it's bad for the environment and a real waste. As it rots in a landfill, it gives off methane - a harmful greenhouse gas - when it could be doing good as compost. Much of the methane, can be captured and used, but its better if it's not produced in the first place.
"The trials, which Councillors approved last year, will help us understand how effective and acceptable each option may be - information which will be needed when decision-time comes. Then, whatever proposal the City Councillors support, will be open to public scrutiny, probably as part of consultation for the next (2006-16) long-term community plan," he says.
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