What can I put into my Blue bin?
Go to the Recycling 'at a glance' page for full details of what we can accept for recycling.
How can I minimise any smells coming from the black bin?
If there is any food waste going into the black bin that is not suitable for composting, ensure that it is wrapped in paper or plastic bags before putting it in your bin. Double wrapping will help contain particularly strong odours.
How was the scheme being funded?
The scheme has been funded through a joint bid, with Forest Heath District Council, to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affair's (DEFRA) £140 Million Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund. St Edmundsbury Borough Council is recognised as a high performing council and was therefore awarded this money to support our efforts to lead the way in recycling.
Why was this implemented in September 2003?
This is the first time that funding for such schemes has been available and, with new schemes in place, it is hoped that the UK landfill percentage will fall in line with the rest of Europe. Furthermore, legislation from Europe has been enforced with the government setting recycling targets for councils. St Edmundsbury's targets are 33% by 2003/04 (which we achieved) and 40% by 2005/06
Will there be a time when you will be reducing the size of the black bin?
We have no plans at this time to reduce the size of the black bin. Research carried out during and after the trials indicated that the majority of householders needed a 240 litre bin. There are no funds available to replace 240 litre black bins for smaller ones.
Some European Countries charge by weight for disposal is this something that you plan to adopt?
Many European countries have been recycling their waste for several years and therefore the residents are very much pro-recycling and agree with charging. St Edmundsbury has no plans to introduce a charge by weight scheme however this may change if central government chooses to push for such systems.
What happens to the waste that is put in the blue bins?
It is taken to a Transfer Station at Lackford where it is bulked up and then transported to a Materials Recycling Facility. It is then sorted and sent for recycling.
I heard that some of the recyclables are sent to foreign countries, how is this achieving sustainability?
Although the majority of the materials are treated in the UK, recycling is a global market and particular recyclables will be sent to countries that are short on that material type.
Can I put any plastic into the blue bin?
Yes, the type of plastic we want to collect is semi-rigid, so if you squeeze it, it will return to it's original shape without shattering. We do not accept plastic bags (supermarket carrier bags) or food film. Waxed juice/milk cartons can be recycled at the household waste recycling centres but we cannot currently accept them in the blue bin. Polystyrene should be put into your black bin as there is currently no outlet for recycling this type of material. We would like to remind you to remove the tops from bottles before disposal. We will also accept all paper, magazines, cardboard, envelopes as well as all your metal cans and tins.
Please be aware that the collection crews will treat blue bins that contain bagged waste as contaminated and will not therefore empty them.
Why can’t glass go in the blue bin?
Due to current legislation and agreements by paper reprocesses, broken glass will contaminate individual waste streams such as paper and cans, and these industries do not want a contaminated waste stream. Please continue to recycle your glass at the local recycling site.
Do you have a question which is not covered above?
If so please Email: sort-it@stedsbc.gov.uk or phone 01284 757320.
