Forum Topic

Wheelie Bins Hurrah!

Thank goodness the crazy system of collecting recycling is coming to an end. Sorting it out in the middle of the road for what-20 years - has been ludicrous, how the council or contractors have managed to retain staff !!!

Roy Baker ● 3622d7 Comments

Wheelie bins will not encourage people to recycle more; in fact the contrary will happen, especially in large households. Once the recycling bin is full they will just put the remainder of the recycling items into the bin for general waste. Also the quality of recycling material decreases, especially for paper which is the most valuable item, as it will get contaminated with food waste from cans, bottles and unwashed plastic. Hounslow Council was going to introduce the same system throughout its borough – alternated fortnightly collections for waste and recycling by wheelie bins and weekly collection of food waste -but has recently changed its mind. They will still provide wheelie bins for general household waste only but will retain the boxed/bags for recycling and food waste as well as the weekly collection. Let’s hope that Ealing council will follow Hounslow example thus saving, in the process, £3.5M of ratepayers’ money.

Rosa Popham ● 3614d

Philippa,I agree with all you say,little thought has been given to this subject by the Council,it is going to be a nightmare for all,the aspect of seeing all these hideous bins all over Ealing spoiling what was a lovely borough to be proud off,goodbye Queen of the Suburbs.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3615d

The idea is that larger lorries will be able to move more quickly along the streets and the operatives swiftly choose the correct colour bin to hitch onto the lorry.Only the streets aren't wide enough for the lorries, the gardens aren't big enough for the wheelie bins and it is difficult to wheel the bins right up to the lorries to lift them up.It looks as though the decision was made by looking at a hypothetically ideal situation - which sadly just doesn't match the reality.  If it did then I think we would all be happy.They don't actually increase recycling because it is people not bins who do this initial separating.  What is and always was needed was regular engagement with an ever-changing community and help and encouragement for newcomers and those not participating. This isn't it.Modifications and adjustments can improve a system which needs to be flexible to suit changing markets and regulations. This isn't it.    These large bins don't suit terraced houses with small gardens and narrow streets.  They will actually make it harder for some people to recycle ie unfortunately for the Council it will make it easier for them not to.When they block access into and out of your home and along the street and cause damage to people and property, will you still think they are wonderful?  How long until the first claim for damages?Take a look at www.brentfordtw8.com

Philippa Bond ● 3616d

Aubrey,I concur with what you say,there is nothing wrong with the system now so why the change?The new system will be a blot on the good image of the Queen of the suburbs,not wanted,no one was asked re the change in this what is a democratic society,remember who brought this system in in the next Council Elections,and the cost thereof.The bins are totally wrong for Ealing and will be an eyesore in the community.

Dr John Stolworthy D.Sc ● 3620d

I am suspicious of any council's claim that the use of wheelie bins increases the (genuine) rate of recycling.  With wheelie bins, I suspect that any old waste is chucked into them, giving a resultant reduction in black bag waste. Roadside 'recycling' collections of wheelie bins' contents must surely be uninspected by the truck operatives. And I ask again, where exactly does the 'co-mingled recyclable waste' get sorted?  And how does that waste arrive at the sorting plants?  I suspect that most of our recyclable waste either gets sent to landfill in this country, or sent by ship to third world countries.

Aubrey Houseman ● 3621d

Aubrey,Do we know if the same things are to be collected? and that the old system can be compared with the old. To collect plastic is one thing (old system) to collect only yoghurt pots and milk containers is quite another. Does paper and shredded paper mean the same thing under the new regime?To those of us who "try" will we be sadly disappointed by the new system in that it will be very specific and therefore recycle much less?

Arthur Breens ● 3621d

Re. co-mingled recyclable waste.Is anybody:(i) convinced the co-mingled waste will actually be sorted into separate types, and sold on?(ii) aware of where the supposed sorting will take place?(iii) aware of how the tons of co-mingled waste will be taken from Ealing to the supposed sorting facility?

Aubrey Houseman ● 3622d