Alternate Weekly Collection in Kennet.

Kennet District Council shall be introducing the Alternate Weekly Collection of waste and recyclable material as from Monday 3rd July 2006. Every household in the district will be supplied with a wheelie bin for storage of their non-recyclable waste, which will be collected on the same day every fortnight. Kennet District Council believe that introducing alternate weekly collections will produce only positive results and ultimately reduce the amount of waste being taken to landfill everyday, as it will make people look at their purchasing and disposal habits more closely. Whilst recycling is paramount in helping to divert waste from landfill, we ultimately need to reduce the amount of waste we all produce in the first place to be able to see a real difference.

To help understand these changes, a brief question and answer sheet has been produced as follows:

What is AWC?
AWC is a scheme that collects one type of material one week and a different type the following week. Kennet District Council will be collecting general household refuse on week 1 followed by recyclables on week 2.

Why are we doing it?
The Council is changing to a wheeled bin service to increase recycling and composting and minimise the volume of waste going to landfill. An alternate weekly collection will also provide a higher recycling percentage, making it one of the best in the country, as well as being a practical, sensible and environmentally friendly method.

When are we doing it?
Wheeled bins will be delivered to people between 1st April 2006 -30th June 2006. Alternate Weekly Collections will start on Monday July 3rd 2006. All residents will be sent a new calendar and leaflet detailing what can go in the bin and how to minimise the volume of waste produced. The Council will also be implementing a full publicity and communication campaign, kicking off in March 2006. This will include leaflets, publicity, press releases, road shows and information packs.

My bin won't be big enough for all my waste.
It is estimated that 60% of all waste produced can be recycled or composted. Therefore, your wheeled bin should have ample space to hold two weeks worth of 'non-recyclable rubbish'. Glass, cans, tins, paper, aerosols and textiles can all be placed in the black recycling box for collection and garden waste can be put into your green wheelie bin if you have one or composted at home along with food scraps. In addition, the Household Recycling Centres at Hopton Industrial Estate, Devizes and at Everleigh, near Pewsey, will also accept various recyclable items, including plastic bottles, yellow pages and cardboard.

It will smell/vermin problems.
The experience of other councils throughout the country that have already implemented AWC indicates that this should not be a problem. However, to eliminate this problem, Kennet District Council will operate a strict lids closed policy to keep out vermin and flies. Wheeled bins were originally designed to hold rubbish for a fortnight and with a sealed lid, there will be little decomposition of food. Residents will be sent out information1 regarding good housekeeping measures, which should eradicate any problems and keep the bin clean.

Doesn't the council have to collect refuse every week?
No. The council is under a duty to collect household waste from domestic properties but no frequency of collection is specified. Kennet District Council is still operating a weekly collection; however they are now asking residents to simply sort their waste.

I don't have space for a wheelie bin.
Residents who feel that they don't have space for a bin will be able to apply for an alternative. A Kennet District Council Officer will visit and decide what arrangement is best for you. You will still have the option of the bin for storage use.

What happens if I live a long way from the road?
Kennet District Council will also be identifying these problems before the scheme starts and, if necessary, making alternative arrangements.

I won't be able to move it.
Kennet District Council understands that some elderly, infirm or disabled people will not be able to move a wheeled bin to the collection point and therefore offer an assisted collection scheme. If you currently qualify for an assisted collection from us we will be in contact with you to confirm the new arrangements.

I have small children in nappies.
Households who feel that they can not cope with a single wheelie bin, even after separating all their recyclable material, may apply for an additional bin. A Kennet District Council Officer will visit and decide whether you qualify for additional space. You may also be interested in trying re-usable nappies rather than disposables. Wiltshire Wildlife Trust with the Real Nappy Network can provide further information as well as money off vouchers. Contact them on 01380 725670.

What happens if I can't get all my waste into my bin?
Waste will only be collected if the lid is closed. No side waste will be taken. Kennet District Council believes that this will not only encourage everyone to recycle more but also m ini mise the volume of waste initially produced and make people more aware of the amount of waste they create. However, if all recyclable ite ms are placed in the recycling black box or composted, there should be plenty of space in your wheelie bin.

How will people remember what day their collection is?
From 3rd July 2005, residents current refuse day will change to marry up with their recycling day. Therefore, for residents living in Pewsey, their current weekly refuse day of Wednesday will change to a fortnightly collection on Friday (their recycling day) and be on an opposite week to the recycling collection. This has been done to make it simple for residents to remember and also to ensure that the routes are as economic and efficient as possible. Residents will also be sent out a leaflet to inform them of the day change as well as a new, up to date calendar.

Can I put plastics out for recycling?
We are not able to include plastics in our recycling schemes at the moment. Recycling plastics can involve excessive costs to both local councils and the environment. It can cost up to £250 to collect each tonne o f waste plastics. It is not a v iable material to recycle in this area at the moment, but the council will continue to investigate options.