No weekly collections
Newark and Sherwood District Council will not follow Lincoln City Council in bringing back weekly rubbish collections during the summer.
Weekly collections of non-recyclable rubbish in 240-litre black bins started in Lincoln on Tuesday, in response to residents’ concerns over hygiene and odours.
The collections will continue until October 31 when they will return to fortnightly.
The smaller 140-litre bins are already emptied weekly.
Newark and Sherwood’s waste and transport manager, Mr Andy Kirk, said: “Since the introduction of the twin-bin system in 2005, the recycling rate in the district more than trebled from 8% to 26%.
“Returning to weekly collections for residual bins would need additional funding to provide extra crews and vehicles. To raise this extra money, the council would have to look at increasing council tax.
“We believe that currently we provide an excellent service, which costs each household just less than £1 a week.
“The twin-bin system has been adopted by the majority of councils and is seen as one of the easiest and most convenient doorstep recycling schemes for residents.
“One complaint that crops up about alternate weekly collections is about flies or maggots in bins.
“Over the first three years of the scheme the district council has had few complaints linked to odours or infestation in the summer months.
“This is testimony to residents using the scheme correctly and following the advice provided by the council.
“Double bagging food waste and ensuring that bin lids are kept closed are the best ways to prevent problems.”