Recycling collection trial to be extended and expanded

A trial of a new recycling collection service in Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, which has seen the reintroduction of kerbside collections of cardboard, is to be extended and expanded.

Since July, just over 100 homes in Hanwood have taken part in a 12-week trial that has also seen them recycling food waste from the kerbside for the first time.

With the initial trial period due to end on 2 October, it has been decided to continue the trial, and to roll it out to the whole of Hanwood – some 500 properties in total.

The trial service will also be rolled out to a further 100 properties in Bayston Hill and Meole Brace, who have been testing a slightly different model over the past few weeks.

All residents involved in the trial will receive a letter/leaflet and a visit from a Shropshire Council representative.

Households not receiving a letter/leaflet or a visit should continue to put their waste out for collection as normal.

The trials started in the week beginning Monday 14 July 2014 and are being carried out as part of a review of the waste collection services provided by Shropshire Council and its waste contractor Veolia.

A key aim is to explore ways to reintroduce kerbside collections of cardboard for recycling.

The information gathered from the trials will be evaluated and used to design a new service for the whole of Shropshire, which is due to be rolled out next year.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for waste management, said:

“We’re grateful for residents’ support and enthusiasm for these trials over the past few weeks, and for their feedback, which will be taken on board as part of our evaluation.

“Both trials have proved very successful, but we’re now keen to extend the Hanwood model in the short-term, to test it over a wider area and to see what residents think.”

Roger Evans, Shropshire Councillor for Longden division, which includes Hanwood, said:

“As local member and a councillor who is keen to see recycling increase, this is welcome news for Hanwood residents. Cardboard and food waste recycling has long been wanted and I am sure this extended trial will be well-supported by local people.”

Ted Clarke, Shropshire Councillor for Bayston Hill, said:

“I’m pleased that the trial in Bayston Hill has been successful and hope this new trial enjoys similar success. I look forward to a new recycling service being introduced more widely in due course.”

Residents in the trial areas who have question about the trial can call Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9007, or email waste.trial@shropshire.gov.uk.