10 July 2009, 09/148
Wheelie good success so far
Residents are being congratulated for embracing a new trial
wheelie bin scheme in Skelmersdale, which looks set to be a
success.
West Lancashire Borough Council introduced the pilot initiative
a few weeks ago to around 353 homes in Willowhey and Windrows,
following a survey of local residents.
Although it has only been running for a month it is already
showing signs of success as residents have been very positive about
the pilot and are recycling lots of their waste.
Like many homes in the new town area of Skelmersdale, Willowhey
and Windrows had previously had a weekly collection of grey sack
bags for household waste that cannot be recycled. Under this new
trial, they have been given grey wheelie bins and on one week their
rubbish is collected and on the other week their recycling
materials such as garden waste, glass, cans, plastic, paper, card
and textiles are taken away. This is the same system that operates
successfully for the majority of homes in West Lancashire.
The trial will run for a six-month period and the results will
be assessed to see if it is possible to extend the wheelie bin
system into other parts of the former new town of Skelmersdale.
Cllr Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene, said: "We
all have a responsibility to recycle as much of our waste as
possible, to help protect the environment for future generations.
We introduced this alternate weekly collection system to the
majority of homes in West Lancashire in 2005 and it has been a
great success and boosted our recycling figures. So we decided to
trial it in Willowhey and Windrows to see whether it would work in
the new town area of Skelmersdale. It’s early days yet but we’re
delighted with the positive response from residents who have been
brilliant so far. Hopefully when the trial finishes we may be able
to implement the system permanently."
The initiative also has the support of the local ward
councillors Barry Nolan and Neil Furey and a cross-party working
group of councilors will monitor the trial over the next few
months.
Information about the trial has been delivered to all homes and
a dedicated Waste Minimisation Officer is currently on hand
throughout the trial to help and assist residents with any queries
they may have.
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