Waste report findings

9:33am Sunday 29th June 2008

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THE initial findings of a survey on waste across the county show that each year over 11,000 tonnes of newspapers and magazines are thrown away in the bin without being recycled.

The aim of the survey, the first phase of which was conducted earlier this year, was to establish what exactly residents were putting in their bins. Crews took samples of rubbish left out for normal weekly collections. This waste was collected in bulk, so it could not be identified or related to individual households. It was then taken to a site near Gloucester for sorting.

Among the properties surveyed, early indications show that 77.5% of the waste put out for collection was placed in the normal rubbish bin and therefore destined for landfill. Paper was the largest single item, accounting for 1.8 kg of rubbish per household each week.

The second phase of the survey in July will monitor waste from not only households, but also the county council's five Household Recycling Centres. The findings will be used to shape the way that future waste management services are developed and to encourage people to reduce their waste in the first place and recycle more. The make up and quantity of household waste varies according to the time of year, so the second phase of the analysis is needed to complete the picture.

Councillor Stan Waddington, Chairman of Gloucestershire Waste Partnership, said: "We understand such surveys have proved controversial in the past not only in Gloucestershire but nationwide. Some sections of the media describe the practice as snooping. The reality could not be further from the truth. We need to gather this essential data to help us run the best possible service for our council taxpayers.

"Householders need to reduce, re-use and recycle as much as possible, so we can meet our target of recycling and composting at least 60 per cent of household waste by 2020. It is essential we do this, as the environmental impact and the potential financial penalties imposed by the government cannot be underestimated."

A specialist contractor on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council is carrying out the survey. Crews will be wearing identity badges and will have an official letter of authorisation. Of the samples of rubbish taken, the materials will be recycled where possible and all other waste will be sent for disposal in the normal way.