Why do councils make recycling so difficult?
Discussion
Every house in my borough can have a blue bin for recycling glass. I live in a flat and we don't have a blue bin, so I called the council to request one.
Apparently my requesting one isn't good enough. I have to get the managing agent to call the 'helpline', they will then take the managing agents details and pass it on to the refuse planning officer. This person will then contact the managing agent to arrange a planning visit to assess the needs of the block.
The 2 most useless organisations in the world are the council and my managing agents, there is no way this will ever get done. Why can't the council just send me a bloody bin?
Now another rant. We have 2 green wheelie bins for recycling. There are a number of things that can't be recycled, the 2 main ones being plastic carrier bags and glass.
Not everyone in the block knows this so quite often they'll chuck in a carrier bag full up with other recycling, or they'll chuck some glass in there. Then what happens is the bin men turn up, open the bin and see it's 'contaminated' so don't empty it.
We've tried writing on the bins listing what can and can't be recycled but it gets worn off or people don't read it. I'm not sure who to be most pissed off at with this one, the council or the idiots in my flats.
Apparently my requesting one isn't good enough. I have to get the managing agent to call the 'helpline', they will then take the managing agents details and pass it on to the refuse planning officer. This person will then contact the managing agent to arrange a planning visit to assess the needs of the block.
The 2 most useless organisations in the world are the council and my managing agents, there is no way this will ever get done. Why can't the council just send me a bloody bin?
Now another rant. We have 2 green wheelie bins for recycling. There are a number of things that can't be recycled, the 2 main ones being plastic carrier bags and glass.
Not everyone in the block knows this so quite often they'll chuck in a carrier bag full up with other recycling, or they'll chuck some glass in there. Then what happens is the bin men turn up, open the bin and see it's 'contaminated' so don't empty it.
We've tried writing on the bins listing what can and can't be recycled but it gets worn off or people don't read it. I'm not sure who to be most pissed off at with this one, the council or the idiots in my flats.
This happened where i used to live with g/f. Big bins for flats colective rubbish, the recycling bin was a normal wheelie bin that would be used for a family home (which "served" about 30 flats). Rang the council and was just told they couldnt do anything.
WHY????????
Much better where i am now, at least they give you a couple of boxes.
WHY????????
Much better where i am now, at least they give you a couple of boxes.
I tried to take some cardboard boxes to the tip near me but because they had Cisco written on them the chap told me it was commercial waste and I had to go to the other side of town and pay to get rid of it.
It was only a boot full of boxes. Instead I took it to B&Q where a private company have recycling bins for anyone. They will now make money selling this card to recyclers or recylcing it themselves and the council will be short of money because they have to pay a man to tell me I can't recycle my recycling (breath in).
It was only a boot full of boxes. Instead I took it to B&Q where a private company have recycling bins for anyone. They will now make money selling this card to recyclers or recylcing it themselves and the council will be short of money because they have to pay a man to tell me I can't recycle my recycling (breath in).
marsred said:
I tried to take some cardboard boxes to the tip near me but because they had Cisco written on them the chap told me it was commercial waste and I had to go to the other side of town and pay to get rid of it.
It was only a boot full of boxes. Instead I took it to B&Q where a private company have recycling bins for anyone. They will now make money selling this card to recyclers or recylcing it themselves and the council will be short of money because they have to pay a man to tell me I can't recycle my recycling (breath in).
thats just happened to someone i work with, she was moving so i gave her 20 or so pc boxes (the carboard outside) and after she had moved she unpacked the local tip would not take them as they told her it was trade waste and she would have to pay for them to be scrapped, so the next week she put them out for the dustbin men and they just took them all, flat packed, the same way that the dump guys wouldn't. go figure.It was only a boot full of boxes. Instead I took it to B&Q where a private company have recycling bins for anyone. They will now make money selling this card to recyclers or recylcing it themselves and the council will be short of money because they have to pay a man to tell me I can't recycle my recycling (breath in).
Mine are great (Hillingdon). All recyclables in one see-through plazzie bag (big rolls of them delivered now and then by the bin blokes or you can phone up and ask for them) and it gets taken away at the same time as the normal rubbish and sorted at the recycling centre. I have friends in Richmond though who have to painstakingly sort everything into different coloured boxes and bins and t
t around with it. I think there's one simple rule for this: Make it easy and people will happily recycle stuff. Make it difficult and people will struggle. Common sense, isn't it?
t around with it. I think there's one simple rule for this: Make it easy and people will happily recycle stuff. Make it difficult and people will struggle. Common sense, isn't it?Redditch council has implemented a 2-wheely-bin policy. The green bin is for cardboard, tin cans, bottles etc, and the black bin for all the rest.
Each bin is emptied every other week (alternating).
This works quite well. We still seem to throw more stuff into the black bin than the green one, by a ratio of 4-1, but by standing on the contents of the black bin we can make it work.
The tip in Redditch (and all of Worcs) works well too. You have a "residents card" which identifies you as living in the borough and are therefore free to tip. I haven't had any problems tipping DELL boxes and other samesuch.
The only issue I have is the limitations on what the council collectors will take in the green bin. You can put most plastic bottles in, but not plastics if they are NOT bottles, even if they have the appropriate symbols fo recycling printed on them. They make you remove the lids of plastic bottles too, even if they are supposed to be recycleable.
We cannot put tetra packs (milk cartons) in there either or, (and this is bizarre) corrugated cardboard. Eh? Whatever could the reason for that one be?
But it doesn't matter because between the council collections, the local tip and Tesco (which has a large recycling area) we're pretty much covered.
And whilst I don't believe in any of the current green policies if they are in any way related to the climate, I am in favour of recycling because we're simply running out of places to put all the rubbish.
Each bin is emptied every other week (alternating).
This works quite well. We still seem to throw more stuff into the black bin than the green one, by a ratio of 4-1, but by standing on the contents of the black bin we can make it work.
The tip in Redditch (and all of Worcs) works well too. You have a "residents card" which identifies you as living in the borough and are therefore free to tip. I haven't had any problems tipping DELL boxes and other samesuch.
The only issue I have is the limitations on what the council collectors will take in the green bin. You can put most plastic bottles in, but not plastics if they are NOT bottles, even if they have the appropriate symbols fo recycling printed on them. They make you remove the lids of plastic bottles too, even if they are supposed to be recycleable.
We cannot put tetra packs (milk cartons) in there either or, (and this is bizarre) corrugated cardboard. Eh? Whatever could the reason for that one be?
But it doesn't matter because between the council collections, the local tip and Tesco (which has a large recycling area) we're pretty much covered.
And whilst I don't believe in any of the current green policies if they are in any way related to the climate, I am in favour of recycling because we're simply running out of places to put all the rubbish.
They're not allowed to ask questions about sexual orientation anymore, so they just find out who actually bothers to recycle and get their list that way. If they make is especially difficult and you still chase them, they know you are gayer still. Then they know whether to grant planning permission to candle stores or lap dancing clubs.
Mars said:
And whilst I don't believe in any of the current green policies if they are in any way related to the climate, I am in favour of recycling because we're simply running out of places to put all the rubbish.
And we're running out of places because the EU won't allow us any more dumps. They'd rather it all got dumped in China, instead.There is absolutely no shortage of available landfill space.
JRM said:
I'm thankful I live in Wandsworth with a sensible council. Just chuck all your recycling together and they sort it out for you. No outside bins to worry about at all.
I think Greewich has the same or similar policy, 1 bin for rubbish, 1 for anything vaguely recyclable and they'll sort it out.Oddly enough, they get one of the best "scores" for recycling as a result. Coincidence? I think not.
I live in the London borough of Brent, as of today it is compulsory to recycle with a back up threat fine of £1000 if you don't, with more council employed busybodies to search through your bins so they can fine tax you.
I've got a green bin a grey bin and a small recycling bin.
We have three different lorries employing god know how many people.
The lorries must cost a fortune and then all the wages and diesel pollution these lorries create, half the stuff that can be recycled has to be thrown out in the grey rubbish bin, the council also require you to wash out jars and such wasting water resources, or then asking you to drive to council tips with cardboard, where when you get there they won't take it.
Why don't they have one bin, lets call it a rubbish bin where you throw everything in it.
Where once a week a dustcart picks it up, it delivers it at the council waste recycling plant.
Employ the guys running around on the other recycling lorries to sort and sift through the rubbish, thus ensuring more stuff gets recycled.
Bad idea I know
I've got a green bin a grey bin and a small recycling bin.
We have three different lorries employing god know how many people.
The lorries must cost a fortune and then all the wages and diesel pollution these lorries create, half the stuff that can be recycled has to be thrown out in the grey rubbish bin, the council also require you to wash out jars and such wasting water resources, or then asking you to drive to council tips with cardboard, where when you get there they won't take it.
Why don't they have one bin, lets call it a rubbish bin where you throw everything in it.
Where once a week a dustcart picks it up, it delivers it at the council waste recycling plant.
Employ the guys running around on the other recycling lorries to sort and sift through the rubbish, thus ensuring more stuff gets recycled.
Bad idea I know
Ah - would be nice to have a sensible council. In Barnsley we have:
red bin (no idea?)
blue bin - paper
green bin - garden waste
grey bin - rubbish (am I allowed to use that word?)
and a brown bin (don't like to ask what goes in that!)
Some of the terraced houses that fills the front yard!
You couldn't make it up!
red bin (no idea?)
blue bin - paper
green bin - garden waste
grey bin - rubbish (am I allowed to use that word?)
and a brown bin (don't like to ask what goes in that!)
Some of the terraced houses that fills the front yard!
You couldn't make it up!
JRM said:
I'm thankful I live in Wandsworth with a sensible council. Just chuck all your recycling together and they sort it out for you. No outside bins to worry about at all.
Several London boroughs now operate the "orange bag" system (one bag for all recycling, aka "comingled"). Their recycling rates are at the better end of the London league. Anyone lucky enough to have the system knows that it is no coincidence.69 coupe said:
I live in the London borough of Brent, as of today it is compulsory to recycle with a back up threat fine of £1000 if you don't, with more council employed busybodies to search through your bins so they can fine tax you.
I've got a green bin a grey bin and a small recycling bin.
We have three different lorries employing god know how many people.
The lorries must cost a fortune and then all the wages and diesel pollution these lorries create, half the stuff that can be recycled has to be thrown out in the grey rubbish bin, the council also require you to wash out jars and such wasting water resources, or then asking you to drive to council tips with cardboard, where when you get there they won't take it.
Why don't they have one bin, lets call it a rubbish bin where you throw everything in it.
Where once a week a dustcart picks it up, it delivers it at the council waste recycling plant.
Employ the guys running around on the other recycling lorries to sort and sift through the rubbish, thus ensuring more stuff gets recycled.
Bad idea I know
Or, and this might upset a few people, why don't we utilise that huge resource we have just sitting there in their cells so sort rubbish for recycling. Make criminals earn their keep whilst saving the planet ! Double bubble, jobs a good-un etc etc etcI've got a green bin a grey bin and a small recycling bin.
We have three different lorries employing god know how many people.
The lorries must cost a fortune and then all the wages and diesel pollution these lorries create, half the stuff that can be recycled has to be thrown out in the grey rubbish bin, the council also require you to wash out jars and such wasting water resources, or then asking you to drive to council tips with cardboard, where when you get there they won't take it.
Why don't they have one bin, lets call it a rubbish bin where you throw everything in it.
Where once a week a dustcart picks it up, it delivers it at the council waste recycling plant.
Employ the guys running around on the other recycling lorries to sort and sift through the rubbish, thus ensuring more stuff gets recycled.
Bad idea I know
Edited by GreenDog on Monday 4th August 15:11
Our local dump (recycling center) is not too bad. However last month I took a couple of PC monitors there. I located a big walk in skip that was labeled 'ELECTRIAL' and indeed inside was an assortment of TVs video players etc. So T humped the monitors inside. Then a life-form dress in dayglow orange came in.
Dayglow. They go in textiles.
Me. What go in textiles?
Dayglow. Those (pointing to monitors).
Me. But they are electrical.
Dayglow. Textiles.
Me. They are electoral. Look this one even have a plug attached.
Dayglow. They go in textiles.
Me. Well they are here now can't you move them.
Dayglow. Not supposed to.
Me. Well I don't know where textiles is (lied a bit).
He wearily picks up a monitor. and I follow with the other one. We wonder over the the Textiles skip. It's half full of monitors. He puts monitor down and makes his point "They go in textiles" and slouches off.
Well OK so they were using the textiles skip to store monitors but with no signage how are us ordinary sane folk to know. If you do stop at their little hut and ask where to put something go they usually point at the relevant skip as if you are some sort of idiot.
Strange, before the dump became a 'Recycling center' you could have a chat and a bit of a laugh with the guys that worked there. One used to collect car memorabilia and often told my of the bit and bobs he came across. Now they like to employ sullen idiots who could easily play extras in any zombie film.
Dayglow. They go in textiles.
Me. What go in textiles?
Dayglow. Those (pointing to monitors).
Me. But they are electrical.
Dayglow. Textiles.
Me. They are electoral. Look this one even have a plug attached.
Dayglow. They go in textiles.
Me. Well they are here now can't you move them.
Dayglow. Not supposed to.
Me. Well I don't know where textiles is (lied a bit).
He wearily picks up a monitor. and I follow with the other one. We wonder over the the Textiles skip. It's half full of monitors. He puts monitor down and makes his point "They go in textiles" and slouches off.
Well OK so they were using the textiles skip to store monitors but with no signage how are us ordinary sane folk to know. If you do stop at their little hut and ask where to put something go they usually point at the relevant skip as if you are some sort of idiot.
Strange, before the dump became a 'Recycling center' you could have a chat and a bit of a laugh with the guys that worked there. One used to collect car memorabilia and often told my of the bit and bobs he came across. Now they like to employ sullen idiots who could easily play extras in any zombie film.
JRM said:
I'm thankful I live in Wandsworth with a sensible council. Just chuck all your recycling together and they sort it out for you. No outside bins to worry about at all.
And another thing about the Wandsworth system - it's bags, so you can put out as many as you please. Had a big BBQ? The binmen will happily take five orange bags this week.Simple, and flexible. It's hardly surprising that I see a huge number of sacks on a Saturday morning - probably more orange than black.
HiRich said:
JRM said:
I'm thankful I live in Wandsworth with a sensible council. Just chuck all your recycling together and they sort it out for you. No outside bins to worry about at all.
And another thing about the Wandsworth system - it's bags, so you can put out as many as you please. Had a big BBQ? The binmen will happily take five orange bags this week.Simple, and flexible. It's hardly surprising that I see a huge number of sacks on a Saturday morning - probably more orange than black.
marsred said:
I tried to take some cardboard boxes to the tip near me but because they had Cisco written on them the chap told me it was commercial waste and I had to go to the other side of town and pay to get rid of it.
To be fair, most Cisco stuff is commercial waste
Edited by schmalex on Monday 4th August 15:33
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