What exactly are the changes to the refuse collection
service?
100% of Richmondshire is now on an ‘alternate weekly
collection service’. This means your waste for recycling is
collected one week, and your residual refuse is collected the next,
and this pattern continues.
Why has Richmondshire District Council changed
the waste collection service?
We had to change the way we collect your household waste in
order to meet tough government targets. If we do not reduce
the amount of waste we send to landfill, the Council could face
tough financial penalties. It’s likely these penalties would be
passed on to Council Tax payers. The most sustainable way to
manage our waste is by operating an Alternate Weekly Collection
System, which encourages householders to recycle more.
Does this mean a reduction in the service I was
previously receiving?
No. In 2005/6 the Council launched recycling services
for the collection of garden waste, paper, glass and cans. Far from
a reduction in services, household on AWC now receive
three services instead of one. If you are using these
services fully, there should be sufficient space in the grey bin
for the rest of your waste.
I pay my Council Tax, am I not entitled to a weekly
collection service?
No. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 states that
Waste Collection Authorities have a duty to arrange waste
collection. However, there is no stated or implied
frequency. You still receive a weekly collection, one kind of
waste one week, and another kind the next, with your waste sorted
into separate containers so that we can deal with it most
effectively.
Is this scheme unique to Richmondshire?
No. It has been in operation in England and Wales for a
number of years. There are many authorities using an
alternate weekly collection system and this figure continues to
grow.
Where will my bin be collected from?
Previously your refuse collection was a ‘back door collection
service’ and your recycling was an ‘edge of property’ collection
service. From now on, all services are a ‘Kerbside
Collection’. This means that bins/boxes/bags must be out at the
kerbside by 7:30am on the scheduled day of collection. The
occupier should place the bin, bag or box for collection at the
closest point to the edge of the nearest main highway, in such a
position that it does not cause an obstruction on the highway.
Wheeled bins must be placed with handles facing towards the
roadside and boxes must be presented without the lid. Those
containers not presented correctly will not be collected until the
next scheduled collection day.
Will I get the same bin back after
collections?
Yes. Collections take place from the kerbside and
bins are returned to their collection point. You could
paint your house number on your grey bin or customise it in some
other way for easy identification.
Is it not a health hazard to collect residual refuse
on alternate weeks?
In the three years since authorities have introduced Alternate
Weekly Collection systems there have been no instances of ill
health connected with this type of collection service. By
using the containers provided for residual waste as instructed
there will be no increased health risk from your waste.
Will my bin smell?
By following this simple hygiene checklist all potential
problems will be avoided.
- Securely wrap and tie any potentially smelly waste
- Ensure the bin lid is always closed
- Try to avoid storing your bin in direct sunlight
- Rinse containers and wrapping where appropriate
- Occasionally rinse out the bin with disinfectant
- Waste such as cooked food and nappies should be double wrapped
before placing in the bin
Will my bin attract maggots and flies?
Flies will only lay eggs onto food if it is unprotected.
Double wrapping such food waste will ensure you don’t have a
problem with flies.
I have a large family. Will the grey bin be big
enough?
Families with more than 6 permanent residents can apply for a
larger grey wheeled bin. An audit of the family’s waste will
be carried out to ensure that all possible waste is being
recycled. Elligible households will be provided with a larger
360 litre bin (240 litres is the standard size).
I have young children in nappies, how do I cope with
the extra waste, and the smell?
To minimise any potential odour problems, ensure all used
disposable nappies are sealed in a bag such as a nappy sack prior
to placing them in the grey bin. If you are struggling to
cope due to the quantity of nappies produced, re-usable nappies
could be an alternative you may consider trying. We are
currently running a campaign to promote the use of real nappies and
a leaflet has been enclosed in this information pack.
How do I get a green bin/green box/blue
bag?
If you require any of these recycling containers please
contact the Helpline on 01748 828777.
How will I know which containers to put out on which
week?
The information pack delivered with your bin contains a
calendar to show you which containers to put out each week, and
when the scheme will start.
Where will I store my bin?
The bins are designed to be stored either outdoors or
undercover and it is up to each individual household to decide
where to store it.
Where will my bin be collected from?
Previously your refuse collection was a ‘back door collection
service’ and your recycling was an ‘edge of property’ collection
service. From now on, all services are a ‘Kerbside
Collection’. This means that bins/boxes/bags must be out at the
kerbside by 7:30am on the scheduled day of collection. The
occupier should place the bin, bag or box for collection at the
closest point to the edge of the nearest main highway, in such a
position that it does not cause an obstruction on the highway.
Wheeled bins must be placed with handles facing towards the
roadside and boxes must be presented without the lid. Those
containers not presented correctly will not be collected until the
next scheduled collection day.
What do I do with ashes?
Ashes can be placed in the grey bin, but they must be fully
cooled before doing so.
I am physically unable to manage the
bin.
If no-one within the household is able to present the bin at
the edge of your property due to disability or infirmity we can
offer you an assisted collection service. The collection
crews will enter your property and collect your bin, box and bag
from a designated point and return it to your property.
What if my bin is broken or goes
missing?
Wheeled bins remain the property of the Council, but each
householder is responsible for keeping their bin safe.
However, bins do get damaged or stolen from time to time. If
the bin is damaged in such a way that it is no longer functional or
if the bin goes missing or is stolen, just get in touch and we will
deliver a replacement free of charge.
Will this scheme lead to an increase in fly tipping in
the district?
Experience from other authorities already using Alternate
Weekly Collections suggests that fly tipping does not increase as a
result of the scheme being introduced.
Why should I bother participating in this new
scheme?
We should all want to do our best for the environment.
Improved services will help by:
· Making it easier
and more convenient to recycle
· Keeping down the
cost of waste disposal and recycling
Can I leave my containers out
overnight?
It is reasonable to leave your containers out the night prior
to collection day. However, the containers should be returned
to the confines of your property as soon as possible after
collections have been made.
What happens on Bank Holidays?
Please refer to your calendar for information on Bank Holiday
collections.