Help create better environment (From Gazette Series)

Help create better environment

MORE complaints have been voiced about South Gloucestershire Council's new rubbish and recycling scheme.

The new scheme basically involves alternating collections of unrecyclable material with collections of recyclables.

Some residents in Charfield view this as a fortnightly service.

One family from Woodlands Road is also concerned about possible health risks from uncollected refuse.

They have been advised to wrap such things as chicken carcasses and disposable nappies before putting them in the bins and to make sure the lid is closed to contain odours and keep animals and flies out.

Bruce Kent, waste strategy officer for the council, explained: "People are still receiving a weekly collection - it is just the way the waste is collected that has changed, with the green bin and recyclables collected one week and the residual waste in wheeled bins the following week.

"The reason we have changed is that the new system is better for the environment, for us and our children and grandchildren.

"We can't continue to bury (or burn) our rubbish as we have been doing without serious environmental consequences."

South Gloucestershire Council does not own landfill sites and has previously had to arrange for to be buried elsewhere. Now, with central government's landfill tax set to double next year, all councils are committed to cutting the size of their waste output.

High recycling targets are also set by the government, with penalties to councils who fail to comply.

Mr Kent said: "It is because of this legislation and also because it is truly better for the environment that over 70 authorities in this country have begun to introduce measures such as we are currently rolling out across the district.

"As a nation, we must begin to take more responsibility for our own waste and recognise it is a resource that can be used rather than something to dump in the ground causing environmental problems for our descendants."

People with large families or specific medical problems and anyone else who would like help should phone South Gloucestershire's dedicated SORT IT helpline on 01454 862862.