CIWM has set out a service “checklist” of what councils might consider when rolling out a three- or four-weekly residual waste collection in order to address potential hygiene concerns.
The list has been sent in a letter to Conwy Council as the council moves forward with its plans to roll out four-weekly collections of residual waste.
It follows criticism from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, which said: “Whilst we appreciate that four weekly residual waste collections have the potential to increase recycling rates and reduce costs, we have concerns about the potential unintended consequences and the risks these pose to the environment and health.”
Dr Colin Church – “If, as residents, we work with our local councils and use the services provided, there should be little if any offensive or ‘smelly’ material going in the residual waste bin that might lead to odour or hygiene issues.”
According to CIWM, four-weekly collections of residual waste can both support higher recycling rates and provide a good standard of service to residents if the scheme includes provisions such as food waste and nappy collections.
The letter outlines what elements should be in place to address concerns about hygiene, overflowing bins and greater risk of littering and fly-tipping.
The letter also states it is reassuring to see that the council’s proposals take these into account.
The letter reads:
“When rolling out three or four weekly residual waste collections, the following elements should also be part of the service:
- weekly food waste collections
- separate nappy collections
- good recycling provision in terms of material types, container capacity and frequency – either weekly or fortnightly
- a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure residents understand the system and know where to go if they need further advice or assistance
- direct engagement with residents during the roll-out phase
- additional help for large families and those requiring special assistance
- assistance where a collection has been missed for a valid reason
- consideration of additional recycling collections during peak periods.”
CIWM says it supports the principle that local waste collection services exist to protect people and the environment and must also be delivered at an appropriate cost to the council and the taxpayer.
Commenting on the move by Conwy and other councils to explore how less frequent “black bag” waste collections can drive up recycling and control the cost of managing household waste, CIWM’s chief executive Dr Colin Church said: “Councils are committed to providing a good waste collection service and they know how important this is to households. The shape of these services has been changing for a while now as we have all got into the recycling habit, and extending the collection frequency of ‘black bag’ waste is a logical next step.
“Meeting the principles set out here means that householders have access to the right type and frequency of collection for all things we put in our bins. If, as residents, we work with our local councils and use the services provided, there should be little if any offensive or ‘smelly’ material going in the residual waste bin that might lead to odour or hygiene issues.
“When it comes to littering and fly-tipping, there is no excuse for this illegal behavior, which evidence suggests is not linked to the type of collection services provided but rather to irresponsible and anti-social behaviour.”
