The changes to waste collections have been very well received by residents. We have seen an increase in the amount of recycling we are collecting since the changes were brought in, and a corresponding decrease in the amount of general waste collected.
Our monthly recycling rate is, on average, five per cent higher than last year, while provisional figures for the first quarter of this year show that our recycling rate is at 71 per cent.
Recycling, which includes food waste, is collected on a weekly basis. General waste bins should not have anything in them that attracts pests.
Issues with smells, flies, pests and vermin are mostly caused by decomposing food waste. Food waste makes up a large proportion of the waste we produce at home. By separating it from non-recyclable waste and putting it in food waste caddy for weekly collection, there is little time for any issues to develop.
We provide food waste bags for free, and food waste caddies can also be locked. This makes storing food waste between collections more hygienic than putting it in the non-recyclable waste bin to be collected every three weeks.
If a waste pile has been left to grow on private property, this can be reported to the council for investigation and further action.
It is important that residents use all of the bins and recycling caddies provided to them, and clean any cans, tins, or other items which may have come into contact with food. Waste left in piles outside of bins will obviously become attractive to pests.
Any residents who would like support to help them manage their waste and recycling can get in touch with us through our website. Some households with five or more people living in them may be eligible for larger wheelie bins for their general waste.
As a reminder, fly-tipping or littering which is on public land can also be reported to us through our website.
We have a dedicated team of officers who deal with fly-tipping and other waste-related offences.
The council is committed to keeping our city clean and free from waste and takes a zero-tolerance approach against anyone found engaging in fly-tipping.