MPs join bin rounds revolt
Fortnightly rubbish collections are unsuitable for many inner-city areas, a group of MPs declared today. Fortnightly rubbish collections are unsuitable for many inner-city areas, a group of MPs declared today. They demanded a review of the health dangers of alternate week collections, claiming they will lead to more fly-tipping. The MPs delivered a damning verdict on the fortnightly collections which involve recyclable waste collected one week and other rubbish the next. They said there was no evidence that the change actually increases recycling, and concluded that fortnightly collections were unsuitable for many inner-city areas. Fortnightly collections of general refuse are being used by as many as four in 10 of authorities in England, including South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Stafford and Wyre Forest, where they have met widespread opposition. Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell are currently committed to weekly collections, although Sandwell has said that it is keeping its options open for the future. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
They demanded a review of the health dangers of alternate week collections, claiming they will lead to more fly-tipping.
The MPs delivered a damning verdict on the fortnightly collections which involve recyclable waste collected one week and other rubbish the next.
They said there was no evidence that the change actually increases recycling, and concluded that fortnightly collections were unsuitable for many inner-city areas.
Fortnightly collections of general refuse are being used by as many as four in 10 of authorities in England, including South Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Stafford and Wyre Forest, where they have met widespread opposition.
Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell are currently committed to weekly collections, although Sandwell has said that it is keeping its options open for the future.
The report from the Commons communities and local government committee said: "Alternative week collections are clearly not appropriate to all areas, particularly highly urban areas characterised by much shared accommodation.
"Whether a weekly or alternate system is best for a particular area is a matter of local circumstance and a matter for local choice."
The MPs said there was no clear evidence of increased health risks from fortnightly collections, but called for a review of the impact of leaving rubbish lying around for up to 14 days.
"Given the strength of public concern, allied with the wealth of anecdotal evidence about increased populations of flies, maggots, rats and other vermin associated with alternate week collections, we strongly recommend that the Government commission further and more detailed research if the public is to be persuaded that there is no appreciable risk," said the committee.
The MPs also warned against introducing "fines" for householders who do not recycle their waste.
"The schemes could lead to public protest, as well as more fly-tipping," they said.
