Waste collection policy reviewed to help build on recycling achievements
Date Published : 09 September 2010
Changes to Walsall Council's waste collection policy are to be discussed by Cabinet at its next meeting (Wednesday 15 September 2010).
The policy is being reviewed for the first time since 2006 to help build on the council's outstanding recycling performance and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. The authority was recently named the best performing metropolitan authority for recycling in provisional league tables released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
The initial policy has successfully raised recycling rates in areas of the borough where participation was low but there are other issues, not covered by this, which still need addressing.
If the revised policy is approved by Cabinet updated issues covered by it will include:-
- Bins left out on footpaths for long periods
- Contamination caused by items placed in the wrong bin
- Excess waste left alongside the bins
- Overflowing bins
Bins left out on streets are a particular problem in parts of Palfrey and Caldmore. The main areas where contamination is an issue, are some areas of Palfrey, Pleck, Bloxwich, Harden, Delves, Chuckery, Caldmore, Coalpool, Blakenall and Birchills.
The existing policy does allow enforcement action to be taken in exceptional circumstances but this has never been implemented. The council's policy is to resolve issues directly with residents which has proved successful over the years and this approach will continue if the revised policy is approved by Cabinet.
Councillor Anthony Harris, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure, culture and environment, said: "Revising this policy is about improving the council's waste collection service for all residents and continuing to build on the good work which has already taken place in terms of our recycling performance.
"It is important for the council to have a policy in place which covers a variety of potential problems which are not only affecting our recycling rates but also creating an issue for other residents such as obstructions on footpaths.
"Our approach has always been to try and resolve any problems through communication with residents and this will continue to be the way forward for us."