LANCASTER AND MORECAMBE'S RECYCLING REVOLUTION!

DID YOU KNOW more than 60% of the average domestic bin is recyclable?

At the end of September 2002 around 6,000 householders in the Lancaster and Morecambe area experienced a revolutionary change in the way they deal with their rubbish.

Hest Bank, Carnforth, Bolton-Le-Sands, Silverdale and Warton are a trial area for the changes, which are part of Lancaster City Council's commitment towards improving the district's recycling rate and making it easier for households to recycle their waste. The new collection system will also provide a cleaner, safer and more efficient service.

Under the new scheme the traditional black sacks, and transfer of waste direct to Salt Ayre landfill, are history. Households in the trial areas now receive two wheeled bins and a recycling box.

Similar schemes have been implemented across the country to the satisfaction of residents and refuse operatives, and the approval of environmental pressure groups. The trial scheme has the potential to double the Authority's recycling rate in the next 12 months and achieve nationally set targets. To date the scheme is proving a great success, with many householders segregating their waste well and adapting to the changes quickly.

Once the Council are satisfied the new scheme is operating well and have had the opportunity to evaluate public perception and opinion, they intend to extend it across the rest of the district over the next few years.

For those of you who have not yet experienced with revolution here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from householders.

• How big will my bins / boxes be?

We will provide two 240 litre wheeled bins -- a green one for recycling compostable waste and a dark grey one for the residual rubbish. Two green kerbside recycling boxes will be provided for dry recyclables, such as paper, glass, and cans. The approximate bin size will be: height --107 cm/42 inches, width -- 58cm/23 inches and depth -- 74cm/29 inches.
The boxes approximate size will be: height 60cm/24 inches, width 40cm/ 20 inches, depth 36.5cm /15 inches

• Why will I only be getting a fortnightly collection of refuse?

You won't -- this is an alternate weekly collection service of streamed waste. Compostable waste and dry recyclables will be collected one week and anything that cannot be recycled the next

• Do I own the bins?
No. They belong to the Council

• Will the bin smell if it is only emptied on alternate weeks? Isn't it a health hazard to leave rubbish uncollected for so long?

No, it's not a health hazard. Bins are designed to contain rubbish after all! However, to prevent smells and soiling, place a newspaper in the bottom before use and, in addition, place rubbish in plastic carrier bags or wrap food waste before putting it in the dark grey bin ONLY. Following this guidance and keeping the lid closed will prevent smells and prohibit the attraction of flies and maggots.

• How will elderly or disabled people manage?

We understand not everyone will be able to manage a wheeled bin or box, and, where necessary we will offer a different collection system. We will consider each case on its merits and a fully trained waste management inspector will make a decision. If you live with an able bodied person then this standard collection system should be easily manageable for you.

• What will happen to the garden waste wheeled bins during the winter?

Surprisingly garden waste can be generated right up until December, with many households producing a lot of waste during the winter months as they tidy and prepare their gardens for spring.

• What about bulky items -- furniture and fridges, etc?

The Council operates a bulky collection service, which is available upon request by calling 01524 582491. This collection service is generally free and refrigerators and freezers are also collected free-of-charge. Alternatively you can donate them to Furnituure Matters, a local charity that refurbishes and repairs electrical goods, furniture and bikes for re-use. You can contact them by phoning 01524 426622 or email

SHOE RECYCLING SCHEME
Old shoes could help people from the Third World and Eastern Europe and people across the district are being asked to take their old shoes to one of 15 new shoe-recycling bank. The shoe banks were introduced by the City Council's Recycling Team in November 2002, which has joined forces with a European Recycling Firm.

"Around 260 million pairs of shoes are bought every year across the UK, explains Ruth Edwards, Recycling Officer at the City Council. "We believe most of them end up in landfill sites. Shoes are things people don't know what to do with when they no longer need them. This provides the perfect answer."

Most of the shoes collected from the banks will be taken to developing countries where people don't have access to new shoes.
"This is a great opportunity to clear out all those old shoes lurking at the bottom of the cupboard," Ruth added. "They will be put to good use rather than wastefully being dumped. All we ask is that shoes are given to us in pairs and they are put securely in plastic bags so they stay together."
The European Recycling Company will collect the shoes from the recycling banks, which take them to a sorting centre in the UK.