Two new proposed schemes to help Bristol reach recycling targets

Two new schemes to help Bristol reach a recycling target and reduce household waste being sent to landfill are to be decided by Cabinet.

Bristol is aiming for 50 per cent household recycling by the end of the year.

Around 20,000 households would trial the ‘Recycling for All’ scheme, if it is given the go ahead.

Residents would be required to separate their recyclable and non-recyclable waste and sent letters and ‘handy hints’ sheets on reducing their waste and maximising their recycling with additional help in of telephone advice and home visits from waste doctors if needed.

After this, anyone still putting recyclable materials in their wheelie bin would risk enforcement action from the council.

The scheme aims to increase the amount of paper, cans and glass collected in residents’ black boxes, and encourage use of the food waste ‘brown bin’ collection scheme.

Cabinet will also be deciding on reducing residents’ standard wheelie bin size, to help ensure residents only use their wheelie bin for non-recyclable waste and make the most of their kerbside recycling services.

Most households are currently provided with a 240 litre refuse bin, but under the new scheme, households with one or two occupants would usually be issued with a 140 litre bin, households with three to five residents would have a 180 litre bin and households with six or more occupants would have a 240 litre bin.

People in flats or with shared bins and those with specific needs for larger bins would not be included.
 
Cabinet member for strategic waste, Councillor Gary Hopkins, said: "We still have ambitious targets to reach however, and so we are looking at introducing sensible and fair schemes that will ensure residents are making the most out of our kerbside recycling facilities and doing everything they can to minimise their waste."

Further information:
Bristol City Council