With the new waste collection scheme running for less than a month, it’s good to hear from the council (see press release below) that Islanders seem to have embraced the concept and recycling rates have tripled.
VB reader Simon Johnston pointed out to us that tripling this rate would appear to take us to over the 100% recycling rate which is a little confusing. We’ve asked the council for a clarification and will let you know what the response is when we hear back. In the meantime, here is the latest news, in their own words. Ed
Last year the council stated that Isle of Wight’s recycling rate was one of the lowest in the country at 36%.
Tripling recycling rates
Early indications show that recycling rates have more than tripled thanks to public support for the new waste collection arrangements.
This means that thousands of tonnes of waste that may previously have been land-filled will now being sent away for recycling. That is good news for the environment and also for the council tax payer as the Island is now on course to significantly reduce the amount it has to pay in landfill tax.
Optimistic rates will rise even more
Although the new scheme is still in its early stages, the council is optimistic that the recycling rate will continue to rise as people get used to the new arrangements.
Councillor Edward Giles, cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, said: “Making such a huge change to the way waste is collected has not been without its challenges and I would like to thank residents for their patience as we have introduced the new scheme. The vast majority of residents have settled into the new arrangements, which is already making a big difference to the amount of waste we are able to recycle.
“As people continue to get used to the scheme and teething problems are ironed out I am sure we will see a marked improvement in our recycling rates at the end of the first year – both helping the environment and reducing the council’s costs which in turn benefits Island residents.”
What happens after it’s collected
Following inquiries from the media and members of the public about the disposal arrangements for food waste, the council has this week clarified what happens to household waste after it is collected.
Food continues to be collected weekly. Residents have been provided with two containers, a small caddy for in the kitchen and a larger one which should be put out for collection each week.
Line with plastic bags
It is recommended that this is lined with a plastic bag as it makes it easier to empty and keeps the container cleaner.
Food waste goes to the gasification plant where, along with other materials including the plastic bags, it is burned to generate power.
Burnt at gasification plant
Waste which can’t be recycled is collected fortnightly in black bags. This waste goes to the gasification plant where it is sorted.
Anything that can be burned is extracted and mixed with the food waste, the remaining waste is sent for landfill.
Because the black bags go to the same place as the food waste, sometimes residents will see food waste put in the same section of the waste lorry as the black bags although this will not occur until the food pods on the vehicle have been filled; food waste will never be mixed with the recycling collection.
Keep food waste separate
It is important residents separate their waste and use their food caddies rather than put food directly in with their residual waste (black bags), as this prevents smells and animals from tearing bags open.
It also simplifies the household recycling routine.
