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RECOUP t: + 44 (0) 1733 390021 e: enquiry@recoup.org Registered Office: RECycling Of Used Plastics Ltd Tower House Lucy Tower Street Lincoln LN1 1XW Co Reg: 2435729 VAT Reg No: 546 5837 10 Reg Charity No: 1072029 Registered environment body Number: 722037 |
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| Current Issues > News & Comments > Read news | ||
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| No Health Risk from Alternate Weekly Collections | ||
| Main News Page >> | ||
| Published: 11/04/2007 | ||
Alternate weekly collections, where residual waste is collected one week and recyclables the next, are an efficient way of increasing recycling rates. They also enable light-weight, high-volume materials, such as plastics, to be collected at very little additional cost. Â An increasing number of local authorities are moving to alternate weekly collections. Concerns have been raised by members of the public, however, that storing residual waste for a two week period prior to collection might offer a breeding ground for disease or attract vermin. Â Local authorities generally undertake public consultations prior to implementing scheme changes, and try to balance public response with meeting recycling targets cost-effectively. Thus in areas where the misconception regarding the health risks of alternate weekly collections is widespread, it is more challenging for local authorities to implement this type of scheme. Â A report, Health Impact Assessment of Alternate Week Waste Collections of Biodegradable Waste, recently produced by environmental consultants Enviros, together with Cranfield University , shows there is no evidence that health risks are any higher with bi-weekly collections than they would be for weekly collections. Â The report, commissioned by South East Waste Advisory Group and funded by Defra's Waste Implementation Programme, concludes that common-sense measures, such as keeping waste tightly wrapped and bin lids closed, can help to deal with any potential increases in odour, insects, or other nuisance that could be associated with alternate weekly collections. Â This is good news for local authorities operating, or planning the introduction of these schemes, as the report can be used to help inform members of the public regarding health concerns. Â The report can be downloaded from the Enviros website: http://www.enviros.com/PDF/Defra%20HIA%20Alternate%20Week%20Collections.pdf | ||
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