Getting set for wheelie bins...

I am writing to explain some of the changes to refuse collection which are happening as Barking and Dagenham prepares for the introduction of wheelie bins this summer.

Firstly, general waste and recycling are no longer being collected in the same vehicle.

This is because orange bags will have to be collected separately once wheelie bins are introduced. By making this change now we can make sure that any problems are ironed out at an early stage.

All waste will still be collected on the same day, but because crews are working longer hours some waste might be collected later than it used to be.

Another change is that the council is no longer giving out free black bin bags, because they will be replaced by the wheelie bins.

Anyone who cannot manage their wheelie bin can contact the council to request assisted collection. Every household will be visited by a recycling promoter and given an information pack explaining how wheelie bins will work.

The only households which will not receive wheelie bins are blocks of flats, and houses which have no room to store them, such as those opening directly onto the street.

From the pilot scheme we know that wheelie bins lead to reduced waste, higher recycling rates, and tidier streets, and this is why we are introducing them.

Cllr Val Rush,

Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability