Dear Sir,
In response to the letter titled ‘Confusion over use of recycling bin’, I would like to clarify our policies around refuse and recycling. It is very important to “bin it right” by putting the right materials in the bins, as not only is it good for the environment by recycling as much as we can, but it enables the council’s limited finances to be maximised and directed to the most critical functions for everyone’s benefit. Durham County Council has a clear refuse and recycling policy which residents are made aware of through various methods including information leaflets, roadshows, awareness campaigns and online via our website at www.durham.gov. uk/recycling.
Our blue-lidded recycling “Bin it Right” says Council bins take a range of mixed materials including tins, cans and aerosols, plastic bottles, paper and food and drink cartons. Residents are asked to wash and squash items where possible and place them in the bin loose without being bagged. Glass bottles and jars should be placed separately in the recycling box. Items which can’t be recycled such as food, pet waste and nappies should be bagged and placed in the normal rubbish bin. Any residents who are unsure about which items should go where can visit the ‘What goes where’ page of our website which includes more detailed information, frequently asked questions and an A-Z of items and which bin they should be put into.
Recycling bins contaminated with items which should not be in there – such as pet waste – may be rejected, and residents in the first instance will be issued with an advisory letter asking them to remove the contamination in advance of the next collection. This is not about being awkward, but about reducing contamination of loads as it means less is recycled and costs to us all for disposal increase. Residents also have the option of signing up for a fortnightly garden waste collection for an annual fee of £25. This can be filled with items including grass cuttings, leaves, flowers and weeds and hedge clippings (animal or kitchen waste does not belong in this bin. If there is an excess of garden waste beyond what the bin can cope with (as the letter indicates) then you could consider purchasing two bins, or better still (and more environmentally friendly) compost at home. Please don’t put any excess garden waste in the recycling bin.
Anyone with further questions around waste collection can contact waste team on 03000 261 000. Oliver Sherratt Head of direct services, Durham County Council
