UPDATE: Northumberland households will soon receive new bins as part of a significant recycling overhaul, set to roll out glass recycling across the county starting in October 2024. This urgent initiative aims to simplify waste disposal and boost recycling rates in the region.
Under the new plan, residents will be provided with a third bin to separate waste types, including a 240-litre black bin with a burgundy lid designated for paper, card, and cardboard. Glass, along with other materials such as plastic pots, tubs, trays, and metal foils, will now be collected in the existing co-mingled recycling bin. Currently, recycling bins are collected every two weeks, but changes will implement alternating collections, resulting in a four-week gap between each recycling type.
This ambitious shift is part of new legislation introduced by the previous government, aiming to enhance recycling rates. The total cost to the council is projected to exceed £21 million in capital funding. At a recent council cabinet meeting, environmental portfolio holder Coun John Riddle emphasized the initiative’s importance: “The big difference is glass bottles go into the recycling bin along with the new materials. It will lift our recycling rates by at least 5%.”
However, Riddle acknowledged the financial burden this initiative will have on consumers. While operational costs will be supported by the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, which holds manufacturers accountable for recycling costs, residents can expect additional expenses related to these enhancements.
The council’s Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) will also require upgrades, with completion expected by 2028. Until then, the council anticipates monthly costs of approximately £150,000 to maintain operations. Riddle stated, “It’s going to take time. We’re hoping to implement the dry recycling by October next year, but work on the MRF will take longer.”
Council leader Glen Sanderson expressed optimism about the changes, stating, “Instead of having to drive to a bottle bank, we can just put glass bottles in our bins… I hope very much that residents will be glad of this.” He reassured the public that the council will keep residents informed as the action plan develops.
As Northumberland prepares for this major recycling transformation, residents are encouraged to stay updated on the rollout for the latest information and specifics on how this will affect their waste disposal practices. This initiative not only seeks to improve recycling efficiency but also aims to support environmental sustainability in the community.
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