Alternative waste collection to be trialled in Shropshire
Two hundred households in Shropshire are to take part in two 12-week trials of a new waste collection service from next month.
The trials start in the week beginning Monday 14 July 2014 and are being carried out as part of a review of the waste collection services provided by Shropshire Council and its waste contractor Veolia.
The review is looking at how to provide the best possible service for the residents of Shropshire, boost the amount of waste that is recycled, and provide the best value for money for the county’s council tax payers.
A key aim is to explore ways to reintroduce kerbside collections of cardboard for recycling, and extend collections of food waste.
The trial covers a total of 206 properties in Bayston Hill, Meole Brace, and Hanwood.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for waste management, said:
“I’m pleased that these trials of two new collection services are about to take place and I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome. The trials will play a huge part in meeting our aim of providing the best possible collection service and best value for money – and in meeting our pledge to increase recycling and reintroduce kerbside collections of cardboard.
“We know that people want to see the return of kerbside collections of cardboard, and we’ve listened to residents’ concerns and comments and have made kerbside cardboard collection a priority when devising these two trial services.
“No decisions have yet been made about the final collection service model that will be introduced countywide, and all the findings from the trials will be taken into account before any decisions are taken. Feedback from residents and councillors will be considered, as will the types of vehicles and containers needed, and the number and type of materials successfully collected during the trial.”
A final recommendation will go to Shropshire Council’s Cabinet and full Council for approval, with a new service being rolled out across the county in mid to late 2015.
Shropshire Council says the trial areas have been selected as the streets offer a good socio-demographic mix representative of the rest of the county; good access for the waste collection vehicles being used in the trials; good transport links, and close proximity to Battlefield waste transfer station – to where all food waste must be taken.
