There's bin some confusion

Questions are coming in to the council about recycling carrier bags and plastic bin liners as part of the ABC scheme.

Resident’s are confused whether they can put bags bought in supermarkets that are labelled as degradable or recyclable into their green wheelie bin.

Steve Burton, Head of Waste Management, said: “We have had a number of queries from residents about this particular issue. Unfortunately, products labelled as degradable plastic take many years to degrade biologically and if put in the green bin causes contamination leading to rejected loads, which end up being sent to landfill.”

Degradable plastics are not compostable and degrade as result of physical and chemical impact, by fracturing into smaller pieces of plastic. In addition, the products are oil based with special additives that assist their fragmentation.

In addition, new liners which claim to be compostable cannot be used within our green bins as our composting contractors will not accept liners except those with the Hertsmere logo.

Steve adds: “The liners that Hertsmere provide for use with the kitchen caddies are 100% biodegradable and also 100% compostable. They meet with specific criteria necessary to comply with composting standards needed for the composting process and are therefore the only bags accepted in the green bins.

“We encourage people not to use plastic bags – and the good news is that you can do something about the amount you use today:
1. Use reusable bags, boxes, shopping trolleys or a backpack for your shopping.
2. Say ‘NO’ to plastic bags at the check-out if you only have a few items.
3. Reuse plastic bags you have accumulated as garbage liners
4. Spread the word. Ask your local shops to stock plastic bag alternatives if they don’t already and encourage friends and family to also get involved.
5. After you unpack your groceries at home, make sure you put your reusable bags straight back on the front seat of your car or at your front door. That way, you won’t forget them the next time you shop!"

Hertsmere’s biodegradable liners are available from all Hertsmere Leisure Centres: The Venue, Borehamwood; Furzefield Centre and The Wyllyotts Theatre in Potters Bar; Bushey Grove Leisure Centre and also the offices of Aldenham Parish Council in the Radlett Centre.