Michelle spoke to Greg Campbell, Director of Environment at Brentwood Council for this weeks updates.
UPDATE
TOPICS COVERED
- High Street Re Opening (Brentwood, Shenfield, Ingatestone)
- Armed Forces Day
- Discretionary Grants
- New Recycling Collections
https://www.facebook.com/brentwoodcouncil/videos/195957284912912/?t=5
Recycling Changes
Recycling collections are changing
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the roll out of the new recycling scheme had to be postponed. We are now pleased to announce that the new service will start week commencing Monday 3rd August.
We all need to do our bit for the planet, so we are looking at ways we can help you to reduce single-use plastic and recycle more.
Taking a positive step towards helping our environment, we will no longer be supplying orange plastic bags to collect your recycling. Instead, we are introducing reusable recycling sacks to cut down the amount of single-use plastic being used, which is also a much more cost-effective solution too.
So what does this mean?
We will deliver directly to your doorstep:
- a blue sack for paper and card
- a white sack for cans and plastics
- a printed Collection Calendar explaining what to do on your recycling day
- a quick read ‘Hello’ leaflet, including COVID-19 hand washing advice.
- a roll of 25 food waste caddy liners
Every week on your collection day, you will need to put out either your blue or your white sack, containing the recycling that is due for collection.
Our crews will then empty your recycling into the vehicle before returning your sack to your collection point, so you can continue to reuse it.
There are no changes to your other collections.
When will my collections change?
The new collections will start, week commencing Monday 3rd August. We will deliver your new recycling sacks and collection calendar ahead of this date. Your calendar will inform you when your first collection of your new sacks will take place.
To help you get used to the changes, please check your new collection calendar to see what to put into each recycling sack and what day to put it out alongside your weekly food bin and black sacks, as well as any other items that are due to be collected.
Why are you making these changes?
There are a number of reasons for making the changes:
- Reusable sacks are better for the environment by reducing the amount of single-use plastic bags. The new sacks will replace the 3.5million orange bags that are currently being used each year.
- The new collection service is a part of the Council’s efficiency savings and will help bridge the £1million gap in government funding, by generating a saving of around £100,000 a year.
What size are the new reusable sacks?
The reusable sacks have a large capacity of 130l, which should be adequate for most households. Additional sacks will be available, however, if required. Information for those who require additional sacks will be included with the collection calendar.
I like to recycle everything I can and it may not all fit in. Can I have an additional sack?
We are keen for you to recycle as much as you can, so will be happy to supply additional sacks, if required. Following commencement of the scheme, you will be able to order these online or via our Customer Contact Centre.
Will the sacks blow away?
The new sacks are weighted in the base to ensure they stay in place. We have worked hard to ensure the design of the sacks makes them practical for their reusable purpose.
What happens if my sack is lost or damaged?
It is anticipated that your reusable sacks will last a number of years. However, if your sack is lost or damaged, you will be able to contact us for a replacement.
Where should I store my reusable sacks?
You may wish to store your sacks in a shed or garage rather than inside your property. If sealed correctly at the top, the bags are water resistant and will be kept free of moisture.
I have an assisted collection, what shall I do?
If you receive an assisted waste collection, this will be unaffected. Please continue to present all of your waste in the agreed collection location.
I live in a flat, what’s changing for me?
A pilot of this scheme has been conducted in a communal collection area, with successful results. Communal areas will have their bins changed over gradually and you will be contacted separately about how and when these changes will affect you. Reusable sacks will be available for residents of flats, on request. Keep an eye out for a notification letter, or posters in your collection area.
So, what’s next?
Between now and after the service changes, we will continue to keep you informed via our website, as well as our social media channels. You can also register for our SMS Text Message Service to receive updates and reminders personalised to you.
Your health and safety is our priority
Your sacks will be hand delivered to you by one of our team who will be following Government guidelines, by wearing gloves and maintaining social distancing.
You may wish to wipe the sacks and their handles, then wash your hands for 20 seconds afterwards. Please place cloths/paper towels you have used in your black sack. The same advice may apply to your red box, food caddies and brown garden waste bins.
