Fortnightly bin collections, your thoughts.

[SmithD]

I agree that if we had a seperate bin for recycling it would be easier. I'm aware of waste watchers pick up, but storage of the bags is a problem especially 2 full bags. And having them blow about your garden!

So if an approriate bin with 2 separate compartments for paper and plastic was there beside your wheelie bin it would be far easier. I'm sure a lady on the news had 2 bins, one for refuse and the other was recycling. If that was the case I wouldn't have a problem with a fortnightly pick up. I think I would recycle more.

[Beachcomber]

I'm not sure what happens in the town but up here the bin lorry makes two trips a week. The first visit is to collect commercial waste from the shops, hotels, and other businesses and then later in the week it comes back for the domestic waste.

Surely there are more domestic than commercial premises so why can't these two runs be amalgamated? It would halve the cost at a stroke.

[daftdog]

Its a fine and well changing domestic refuse to fortnightly collections, but if the council start collecting recycled refuse... where does that leave Waste Watchers???

As far as i am aware, they are doing a grand job down there and many people use their free service even though the bags are a pain in the ar$e. If every household gets a recycling bin, will they continue to use the Waste Watchers bags... i think not.

I know there are advantages to the council starting recycling collections, as it forces everyone to recycle, but i hope the new arrangements, should they come into force, don't affect other organisations who have been doing a great job in the previous years.

[John S]

Exactly why local circumstances are important, if it ain't broke don't fix it. However I dare say that there are ways that the council and community recycling organisations can work together to improve the efficiency of both services.

[sooze]

I am well aware of wastewatchers and I do recyle using them but like others it can be a problem storing the bags. Another point is that not everyone uses wastewatchers for various reasons e.g. storage and if they are out working they never get any bags especially new people to the area.

Also they are limited in what they take. Elsewhere more can go in the bins e.g. yoghurt cartons etc.

My point was that if the council change to fortnightly wastewatchers/council/or other would have to take up the recycling on a different basis to reduce waste in the domestic bins.

Sooze

[Jeanette]

Susan

One of the things that they won't take is shredded paper!!!!!

jeanette

[John S]

Try composting your shredded paper with grass cuttings in the summer. Better still add some composting worms - they love cellulose fibre. The council will give you a compost bin.

[Jeanette]

John

I have a compost bin and enquired about using the worms you suggest. Astranomical price!!!!!! and apparently the bins the council hand out are the "wrong type"???????

[John S]

I've had composting worms in a council composting bin for about 5 years, as long as there is food in there they are quite happy. You only need a handful of worms to start a colony these blighters breed 5 - 6 times a year. They are special worms mind. I can get you some.

You do have to stir your compost with a fork particularly if you gave grass cuttings in there. You should mix about 50 / 50 grass to paper by sight into your compost.

[Jeanette]

Sounds okay, How much are the worms?

[John S]

Do you have compost just now? If not it would be best to start off a heap with green kitchen waste for a 4 - 6 weeks before introducing worms. If you have compost, bring a jam jar you can have some for free next time your in town.

[Jeanette]

Thanx john I'll take you up on your offer.

Better still bring them over. You would be the first prospective candidate for the local elections that would be at my door in the nine years I have stayed here. and certainly the only one bringing worms

jeanette

[John S]

Have PM'ed you Jeanette

[Ship called Dignity]

Occasionally we're away when from home the morning the bin men call and so have to go another week whilst the black plastic bags pile up in the shed.

Meant to say Beachcomber - do what the rest of us do. Ask our neighbours to put it out!

[general jack o'niell]

let them collect every two weeks, we practically have to empty our own bins into the freighter as it is, we'll all just pay six months coucil tax instead of twelve, or should i say local incometax if your reading this any time after the first week in may.