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Walsall Binspector blitz sees contamination halve

The number of 'contaminated' bins in a Black Country borough has almost halved since a controversial recycling crackdown was launched, figures have revealed.

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Thousands of bins have gone uncollected in Walsall since a zero-tolerance approach to collecting containers with the wrong rubbish was introduced almost 18 months ago.

Walsall Council bosses say the contamination rate over the last 12 months has averaged nine per cent of all bins collected.

This is significantly below the peak of 17 per cent in 2012, which helped prompt the crackdown leading to bins being checked before they were emptied.

The authority have said despite the reduction they are continuing to take steps to ensure the correct materials are set aside for recycling.

In a report to the council, environment chief councillor Mohammed Arif said: "As with all councils, we continue to experience contamination in our recycling collections.

"The contamination rate over the last 12 months has averaged at approximately nine per cent of all bins collected. This remains significantly below the peak of around 17 per cent in 2012.

"Nevertheless, we are continuing with our efforts to work with these residents to help them recycle the correct materials and are in discussions with Walsall Housing Group about what help they can provide where those residents are tenants of theirs."

The crackdown was launched in Walsall in November 2012 and a similar stance has also been adopted in Wolverhampton.

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