Rubbish & Recycling

Alternate Week Collection of refuse will commence in September 2007 following the signing of the contract with new contractors.

Whilst many people are concerned about the new system, there are sound reasons for it's introduction. The UK sends more rubbish to landfill than nearly every other country in Europe. Moving rubbish around is expensive to do. Rubbish in landfills emits methane, one of the worst greenhouse gases. Landfill capacity is being exhausted and in West Sussex all landfills will be full in 2010. No one wants a new landfill anywhere near their home.

For all these reasons, it makes sense to encourage people to send less waste to landfill. Where Alternate Week Collection (AWC) has been introduced by other councils, recycling rates have improved significantly.

Each household will be provided with two 240 litre wheelie bins. One will be for waste to go to landfill, the other will be for recycling. They will be emptied on alternate weeks.

Concerns

Local people have expressed the following concerns:

"I won't be able to get the bins out to be emptied."
If you live in a flat or maisonette accessed by steps, are elderly or infirm, or are for any other reason concerned that you may have trouble moving a wheelie bin, you should contact Mid Sussex District Council. The Cleansing Services Team are compiling a list of those people who will need assistance when this system is introduced. Telephone on 01444 477440.

"The rubbish will attract vermin"
The wheelie bins are large and robust with flip tops. Provided the rubbish is inside, vermin are unlikely to be a problem.

"Rubbish will smell if left for two weeks"
The two "smelliest" items likely to go into the rubbish are waste food and disposable nappies. West Sussex County Council have attractive offers to help people deal with these problematic items.

Free Compost

Food waste comprises 31% of all rubbish sent to landfill and yet this amount can easily be reduced. If you have a garden, consider a Food Waste Composter. These devices convert food waste into free compost and are available at heavily discounted prices. Call 0800 052 0462 or visit http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/rubbish-waste-and-r...
There are also details in the "For Better Tomorows" booklet recently delivered to all households.
If you don't have a garden, wrapping the food waste securely and keeping the wheelie bin in the shade will help.

Free nappies

Disposable nappies comprise 7% of waste going to landfill. If you are expecting a baby or have one which is less than four months old, you can apply for a cotton nappy starter pack. This pack is worth around £100 but is available free of charge. Details in the "For Better Tomorows" booklet or at
http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/content/environment/rubbish-waste-and-r...

Even if you do not qualify for this free offer, consider switching to cotton nappies. Although they have a higher upfront cost, over the time that your child uses them you will save money.

Our View
We support the principle of reducing waste going to landfill but we understand that many local people are concerned that this system will be inappropriate for their circumstances. We would urge you to review how you handle your waste and if necessary contact the Cleansing Services team to discuss the matter further. The team are there to help you. As your local councillors we want you to be happy with the services you receive, so please contact us if there are persistent problems.

Hopefully, the introduction of AWC will go smoothly. More information will be provided by MSDC before the system is introduced. If you have concerns, please contact the Cleansing Services Team on 01444 477440.

Further Information
Here is a link to the latest guidance notes issued by MSDC regarding the start of AWC Link

Chris Jerrey 19-05-2007