Coming soon to a doorstep near you

Households across Hertsmere will soon receive their additional black recycling box in the run up to Additional Bin Collections.

The black box, which allows residents to recycle plastic for the first time, will take around four weeks to deliver across the Borough, starting from Tuesday 26 September.

Cllr Morris Bright, portfolio holder for Waste Management, said: “The delivery of the new additional bins mark the launch of Additional Bin Collections.”

It’s estimated that 24% of Hertsmere’s waste is currently recycled; a figure the Council is determined to increase through the Additional Bin Collections scheme.

It’s a simple scheme that makes household recycling as easy as A, B, C. One week, the Council will collect your black wheelie bin and your new black recycling box. The next, we'll collect you green or brown wheelie bin and your blue box.

“Recycling was identified as a key area for improvement by local residents during the MORI survey in 2005 and recycling is a key priority for the Council - the Additional Bin Collections scheme received unanimous cross party support," said Councillor Bright. "Additional Bin Collections will make household recycling much easier for residents.
 
“In Hertsmere we produce over 40,000 tonnes of waste every year and even though the Council has doubled its recycling rate since last year, we want to do even better. Our aim is to increase recycling to at least 28%.

“We can all make a difference and positively increase recycling rates in Hertsmere if we manage our waste a bit differently.”

Steve Burton, Head of Waste Management, adds: “We currently provide three separate collections of refuse and recyclables, which can be confusing for residents. This new scheme will give households a set collection day for all their waste and recycling.”

The ABC scheme will start with the delivery of the new additional black recycling boxes, which will be delivered from 26 September, with the new ABC collections starting on November 6.

The changes to collections have been introduced to meet the Government's local recycling targets, which could result in financial penalties if not met.

“We need to ensure that doesn’t happen,” adds Steve. “I know that residents will understandably be apprehensive about the new service. However, additional bin collections has been implemented in over 90 local authorities across the UK and has been shown to increase recycling rates.”

For residents, it all starts in the kitchen and knowing what can and can’t be recycled. An information pack will be given to residents with their additional box, which will include an information leaflet and an ABC collections calendar so everyone will know which box or bin is being collected when.

The ABC leaflet, calendar and frequently asked questions are available on the Council’s website www.hertsmere.gov.uk. For further information on the ABC scheme call our dedicated hotline number on 020 8207 7454 or email abc@hertsmere.gov.uk