Shake-up of kerbside recycling collections

Sheffield Council unveiled its new kerbside collection service for tins, glass and plastic bottles earlier this year, but waste officials have faced calls for an immediate rethink.

Before the new system was introduced, residents put paper and card in a large blue wheelie bin, but under the new rules were told that this must be used for tins, plastic and glass.

Each household was issued with a new plastic box for paper and cardboard, but the council received complaints that this was too heavy to carry and remained open to the elements.

Councillors from opposition groups on the authority, led by the Greens, said the Liberal Democrat administration should instigate an overhaul based on the level of public criticism.

It was suggested by the leader of the Greens, Coun Jillian Creasy, that people should be able to choose which box they use for each type of recycling.

Now Coun Andrew Sangar, Sheffield's waste and recycling spokesman, has revealed that householders will be able to select what to place in their box and the blue bin from next April.

He added: "Some local residents have told us they would like the option of using the blue bin for paper and card and the blue box for plastic, glass and cans instead.

"We said right from the start that we would review the new service to see if we can make improvements. We have listened and we are acting to ensure that everyone has the best possible recycling service.

"I must stress that residents should continue to use the present system for now and even with a choice paper and card will still have to be separated from glass, plastics and cans.

"However, we will be in contact to let everyone know about the improvements."