Shropshire Council set to approve plans to roll-out recycling bins to households
Councillors have been encouraged to approve the £3 million investment to fund the roll-out of recycling bins in and around Shropshire.
The current black bins used to recycle plastic, glass and cans would be gradually replaced with a wheelie bin under the plans.
It comes after a survey was conducted for the waste service in 2018 which saw 45 per cent of responses state that at-home recycling would be made easier by using a bin rather than boxes.
The plans to introduce recycling bins were agreed by Shropshire Council's cabinet last year, but the funding is yet to be approved by a meeting of the full council.
Now, officials have been asked to formally approve the roll-out of wheelie bin and to approve the necessary £3m funding.
The bins would be optional and free and is is hoped they will reduce the amount of waste lost due to being blown out of the boxes on windy days.
If the funding is agreed at the meeting on January 13, people living in Shropshire will be able to start making requests, with the first bins set to be delivered from spring.
Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for waste and recycling, said: “The news of an extra bin for recycling has been warmly welcomed by residents across Shropshire.
"And I know many people are eager to have one as soon as possible. If the council agrees to fund the roll-out on January 13, people will be able to order their bin, with the first bins being delivered to homes in May.
“The provision of a bin for recycling is a direct response to residents’ comments and requests – and is a pledge we made in our election manifesto last year.
“It’s clear that it’s something that many people want, and it’s something that will help us to boost the amount of waste that is recycled in Shropshire.
“It won’t be compulsory to have a bin. Some people may not have room for one, or may prefer to keep using their kerbside boxes, but we’re confident that many people will want to take up this opportunity.”
Assuming that more than 140,000 households (96.7 per cent) request a bin, the total cost of providing them would be £2.93m.
Residents who do not want a bin can continue using their existing waste containers.
