Delays to recycling collections

The launch of a new recycling service in the Black Country has been hit by teething troubles, with some bins going uncollected for two days.

Dudley Council admitted there had been some delays to collections after the council launched its food waste recycling service on April 6.

The council said it was working extra hours to clear the backlog, and had set up a dedicated team to deal with problems.

The new recycling system was launched in response to new Government regulations to standardise services across the country.

Since the start of the month, local authorities are obliged to provide special bins for food waste, which must be emptied weekly, while a separate collection will be held for plastic, glass, and metal recycling. Card and paper must also be recycled.

The Express & Star revealed at the start of the month that some authorities in the region had still been unable to comply.

There have been reported delays to collections this week in Sedgley, Kingswinford, Coseley Woodsetton and Gornal.

Jim Deakin, director for neighbourhoods at Dudley Council said: “Some recycling and food waste collections are currently around one day behind. We’re already taking action and making good progress to catch up and complete outstanding collections.

“To get things moving we have doubled up collection crews and teams will be working this Saturday and Sunday. Our aim is to return collections to normal next week.”

Mr Deakin said the council was awaiting the delivery of new waste collection lorries, which would strengthen the service.

“If your recycling or food waste bin hasn’t yet been emptied, please leave it out and our crews will return as soon as possible.”

Anybody experiencing delays is asked to email the council’s dedicated waste team at [email protected]