'Bin your bad waste habits and recycle'

Easington District Council has made changes to its waste collection policy following consultation with residents.

The measures will come into force on Monday, October 1, and will mean rubbish left next to waste bins will no longer be collected by refuse crews.

In addition, residents will only be allowed to leave their bin out on the day of collection and only households of more than six people will be permitted a second bin.

The council has, however, renewed its commitment to weekly collections and will continue to offer free collection for bulky items.

Councillor George Patterson, executive member for the Liveability scheme, said: "Although our district currently has one of the highest rates in the region for composting and recycling, the amount of waste we produce per head is still far above the national average.

"The aim of the new policies is to work with residents, educating and encouraging them to rethink their attitudes towards what they throw away and how they could recycle more.''

Easington Council is the only authority in County Durham where refuse collectors pick-up side waste.

While that only applies to ten to 12 per cent of households, it is believed the practise hinders recycling.

Limiting second bins to larger households is expected to reduce the amount of rubbish thrown away, although smaller families who already use two bins can have their additional bin emptied if they agree to pay a charge.

Residents will also be asked not to put their bin out earlier than 6pm the day before collection.

It is hoped that change will reduce bin arson and street litter.

During the coming weeks, street wardens will be calling on residents who have left side waste next to their bin to explain why the new measures are being introduced.

Residents will also be told what they can do to cut down on waste.

The changes will be reviewed after six months.

For information, contact Envirocall on 0191-527-5040