FAQs
Q. I don’t think the smaller grey bin will be big enough for all of my household rubbish.
A. In the new service the size of the bin for non-recyclable waste is reducing from 240 litres each week to 140 litres each week. To make up for this, we are increasing the quantity and range of recyclable materials that we collect. Your existing green coloured 240 litre bin will not be taken off you, but should be used for recyclable materials, you will be able to recycle newspapers, magazines, cans, tins, glass bottles and jars, cardboard and plastics. Your ability to recycle will increase from 55 litres (green box) each fortnight to 240 litres (wheeled bin) each fortnight. Therefore, if you are managing with the existing service you will probably manage with the new service.
Our research showed that families of six or more may struggle with the smaller bin. If you have 6 or more people living in your house you may be eligible for a standard (240 litres) grey bin for non-recyclable rubbish, please telephone the contact centre for an application form on 01922 654141 or download an application form for a standard grey bin, proof of residency is required. This policy was approved by Cabinet in June 2008.
We would encourage all residents to try the new system first, many will be surprised how little they will throw away once they start to recycle more materials. If your family does find itself struggling when the new service is implemented, do please contact us for advice. We are happy to investigate requests for additional capacity, even if they appear to fall outside our stated policy.
Q. Why do we need so many different bins?
Your recycling is used to make new products. Any non-recyclable rubbish can spoil the production of new products. It’s important that you only put recycling in the green bin so your recycling can be used properly and does not need to be thrown away.
Q. What do I do with my old recycling box?
You can keep your box and use it at home or you can take it to one of the household waste recycling centres where it will be recycled.
Q. What happens to the recyclable materials?
The mixed recyclable materials are taken to a factory in Aldridge where they are sorted out into different types, by machine and by hand. The sorted materials are then sent on to specialist factories where they are cleaned and prepared ready to be made into new products.
For more information on recycling visit www.recyclenow.com
Q. Does any of the recycable materials end up abroad?
Some of your recycling may be sent to other countries . This is because there are not enough facilities in the UK to turn all our recycling into new products. The materials are sent on ships making return journeys, having delivered goods to the UK. There are strict laws to make sure that materials sent abroad are recycled.
Q. What happens to the rubbish put into the grey bin?
This rubbish will either be buried in a landfill site or burnt at an incinerator. To protect your environment we would encourage residents to recycle as much of their waste as possible.
Q. What happens to the money made from the sale of recyclable materials?
The council does not make a profit from the things that you recycle. Money from the sale of recyclable material is used to keep the system as cheap as possible and your council tax low.
Q. What will happen if I leave rubbish or recyclable materials by the side of the bin?
We will not collect any rubbish or recycling left in bags by the side of the bin and residents will be responsible for taking any extra bags to the Household Waste Recycling Centre or bring sites.
Q. What happens if I continue to use the green bin for general rubbish?
Household rubbish that is put into the green bin will not be collected. Residents are responsible for putting the right rubbish into the right bin.
Q. Will the new system affect the brown bin collection?
No, your brown bin collection days will remain the same.
Q. Is my bin fitted with a micro chip (‘chipped’)?
A. None of the bins supplied by the council are fitted with micro chips. We do record the reasons why your bin has not been emptied, so we can explain to you why.
Q. I cannot wheel my bin to the edge of my property.
A. If by virtue of age or infirmity you are unable to wheel your bin to the edge of your property the council does offer assisted collections. This means that the council will collect, empty and return your bin from your property. If you would like to apply for an assisted collection please telephone the Contact Centre on 01922 654141 or download an assisted collection application form (PDF 36KB). Proof of age/infirmity is required.
Q. I don’t have enough space to store another bin and I have to leave the bins on the footpath.
A. The council does recognise that a very small number of properties may have problems storing another bin. Please note that the foot print of the smaller grey bin is less than the foot print of the recycling box and can be stored outside. If you are struggling to find space please telephone the Contact Centre on 01922 654141 to arrange a home visit.
Q. What happens if any of my bins are lost or stolen?
Residents will be charged to replace lost or stolen bins. Please telephone the contact centre on 01922 654141 for prices.
Q. Should I wash my green bin out before it is used for storing recyclable materials?
A. Ideally yes, but it’s not essential.
Q. Do I need to wash food containers out before I put them into the recycling bin?
A. Ideally yes. Your recycling bin is collected fortnightly so if you have a lot of food residue in the bin it could get smelly especially in summer.
Q. Do I need to sort my recyclable materials?
A. No, you can put the materials mixed into the recycling bin. We take them to a factory where they are sorted by machine and by hand.