URGENT UPDATE: Households in Northumberland are set to receive new recycling bins as part of a major initiative to roll out glass recycling across the county. The announcement was made during a council meeting on Tuesday, with the new system expected to launch in October 2024.
This significant change means residents will now have a third bin dedicated to paper, card, and cardboard. Furthermore, kerbside recycling will expand to include glass, plastic pots, tubs, trays, metal foils, and flexible plastic films, all to be collected in the existing co-mingled recycling bin. The aim is to simplify recycling for residents and boost recycling rates by a minimum of 5%.
The implementation of this new recycling system will cost the council over £21 million, with funding sourced through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which holds manufacturers accountable for the waste generated by their products. As Coun John Riddle noted, this initiative is a continuation of efforts started by the previous government and supported by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
The current recycling collection schedule will also change. Bins will now be collected on alternating weeks, creating a four-week gap between collections for each type. This adjustment aims to optimize the recycling process and enhance efficiency.
Coun Riddle emphasized the long-term benefits of this initiative, despite the upfront costs. “It’s going to cost us about £150,000 per month until the materials recycling facility (MRF) is upgraded, which could take until 2028,” he stated. The council is committed to keeping residents informed as plans develop.
Council leader Glen Sanderson expressed optimism about the changes, stating, “We can just put glass bottles in our bins instead of driving to a bottle bank. The whole system will be really clear, and we will ensure that communication is robust.”
The new bins and expanded recycling options aim to make recycling simpler for residents while significantly impacting the environment. As preparations move forward, Northumberland’s residents can expect further updates on how to make the most of these new recycling initiatives.
Stay tuned for more developments as Northumberland embraces a greener future!
