What the People Want on Recycling

Posted By: William Hobhouse
Date Posted: 29/11/2008

Council has pledged 50% recycling by 2011.

Alternate Weekly Collections as now run by the Council will plateau recycling at about 35% in this Borough.

Wera and I have surveyed the residents of Norden and Bamford to find out whether they are committed to 50% recycling, and whether they will support 2 ideas for more recycling.

Survey returns are coming in as fast as we can get the leaflets out to residents. We have 49 in so far, and expect between 100 and 150 back. Interim results are as follows:

Question 1: Do you back the Lib Dem target of 50% recycling of our waste by 2011?
Yes 44 No 1 Unsure 4

Question 2: Would you prefer to have a wheelie bin (instead of the blue bags) for paper and cardboard recycling?
Yes 32 No 18 Unsure 1

Question 3: Would you like to know more about a separate food recycling collection?
Yes 14 No 29 Unsure 6

Conclusions seem to be:
1. Full steam ahead for offering an optional blue wheelie bin for paper and cardboard. We should see this as invest to save, as the cost of the bins will be quickly offset by the reduction in landfill charges. After the cost of buying extra bins, there will not be any further cost to the Council.
2. More information to residents on food recycling. Should pick up on the success of the scheme in Oldham, find out where it works best there, and pilot in Rochdale Borough.