Government’s announcement on waste bin collections means that the council can now plan the way ahead – something that has had to be delayed for some time. Details are as follows:
· Councils will retain local discretion as to how they collect the ‘core’ recyclables – meaning existing collection methods can remain in place. These recyclables will include glass bottles and jars, plastic pots, tub and trays, plastic tubes and TetraPak cartons.
· All local councils will be required to provide a weekly food waste collection to all property types by 31st March 2026. We expect councils to receive notice of capital funding to introduce these services by the end of 2023.
· Proposals to make garden waste collections free have been scrapped – as have plans to cap councils’ charges. This will ensure councils can set fees to recover their costs.
· Recyclables and food waste must be presented separately by non-domestic properties by 31st March 2025 – with proposals to widen this to include charity shops, places of worship and hostels.
· Kerbside collections of soft plastics and microfilms will be required to start by 31st March 2027
Cllr. Doug Rathbone | Kendal South
Westmorland & Furness Council,