Denbighshire County Council is informing residents about new proposals to increase recycling and reduce waste in the county and wants to work with communities to rise to the challenge.
The county has historically one of the best recycling rates in Wales and residents have played a significant part in that success. Despite all the efforts, more than 5,000 tonnes of recycling are still being thrown away through general waste collections costing £500,000 which could be spent on protecting vital council services. This is a significant challenge and the Council needs to recycle more and reduce unnecessary disposal costs. That can only be done by changing the way in which its waste collection works and by changing the way residents recycle.
The proposed changes to the recycling service will provide residents with:
- a new weekly collection for recyclables such as paper, glass, cans, and plastic
- a weekly collection for food waste
- a new fortnightly collection for clothes and small electrical items
With 64% of waste already being recycled and a weekly recycling collection with extra capacity there should only be small amounts of non-recyclable waste left in the black bin.
The Council is therefore proposing to change the collection of non-recyclable waste to every four weeks. Instead of the current 140 litre black bins, the Council would provide new, larger 240 litre black bins instead.
Overall, households will have an additional 35 litres of capacity each week to manage their waste and the focus will be more on recycling to help prevent recyclable material being put unnecessarily in the black bin. This is better for the environment and will help to protect other important front-line services.
The Council believes that increasing the size of the bins to the new larger ones and introducing weekly and recycling collections, supported by other special collections, should meet the needs of residents.
The Council is also encouraging residents to complete an online survey so that it can understand people’s recycling patterns and what steps need to be taken to prepare people for the proposed changes. Copies of the survey can also be found in libraries and main receptions across the county.
The majority of households in Denbighshire can be switched to the proposed system. The households at which the proposed system may be unsuitable are being identified. Where necessary alternative collection models, designed to achieve the highest levels of recycling practicable, will be introduced.
Frequently asked questions and details of opening hours of the recycling parks, together with a full list of what items can be recycled can also be found below.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have researched and thought carefully about this service change. We have also looked at the experiences of other councils. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions associated with this kind of change which we hope will reassure you.
Will I be able to cope?
Will I be able to cope?
With weekly collections for recycling and food, new collections for other materials and a larger bin for your waste, there should be enough capacity for your waste. Remember that you can have extra recycling containers if you need them. There will be special arrangements for larger families and the new nappy collections will also free up space in your bin.
What if my bin gets too heavy?
What if my bin gets too heavy?
Please don’t struggle with containers - assisted collections will continue to be available for those that need some help. With many of the heavier types of waste such as food and recyclables being collected every week, you may find that your refuse bin is not too heavy. Non recyclable items are often quite light such as vacuum cleaner dust or plastics that can’t yet be recycled.
Could this lead to fly tipping?
Could this lead to fly tipping?
The experience of other councils has been that fears about fly tipping just did not materialise with some areas seeing an improvement in the cleanliness of the streets. By using the more frequent recycling collections, there is room in the bin for your waste. There is never any excuse for fly tipping, and we have no reason to believe that Denbighshire residents will start doing so.
Are there problems associated with leaving waste for 4 weeks?
Are there problems associated with leaving waste for 4 weeks?
Concerns are sometimes expressed about possible smells, flies or pests. Using the weekly collection for food waste is the best way to prevent all these potential problems, especially as the food waste containers have lockable lids. The new collections for nappy/incontinence wear waste will also help and as long as other types of waste are securely wrapped before being put in the bin, there should be no problem.
What will the Council do with all the old wheelie bins if it goes ahead with the proposed changes?
What will the Council do with all the old wheelie bins if it goes ahead with the proposed changes?
Any wheeled bins not required on the new waste and recycling collection service will either be sold for re-use or sent for recycling. The plastic is suitable for reprocessing into new wheeled bins and the re-sale value of the material should cover the costs of collecting the bins from residents. Residents will be advised well in advance, when and where to put out their bins for collection if we implement the proposed system.
List of items that CAN be recycled:
- Empty tetrapaks
- Paper and newspapers
- Clean foil
- Clean/empty plastic bottles
- Clean/empty glass bottles and jars
- Clean plastic food trays
- Empty toiletry bottles
- Boxes
- Toilet roll
- Empty food boxes
- Birthday cards
- Clean and empty yoghurt pots
- Clean and empty tins and cans
- Aerosols
Items that CANNOT be recycled:
- Needles or sharps
- Nappies
- Plastic bags
- Hard plastics
- Pet waste
- Polystyrene foam or polystyrene packaging
- Plastic wrap or polystyrene wrap
- Car batteries
- Food waste or any liquid
- Clothes
- Wires / hosepipes
- Wood
Separate food and garden waste collection services are in place.