The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management has issued a position statement on alternate weekly collections.
In the statement the Institution defines what is meant by alternate weekly collections as typically involving the collection of household wastes every other week, during the intervening weeks recyclables and/or green wastes will be collected.
Considerable variation in schemes adopted by local authorities is acknowledged in terms of what they collect and the frequency of collection, though there is a growing proportion of local authorities that are adopting the alternate weekly collection process.
Alternate weekly schemes have been found to maximize recycling due the constraints on the amount of capacity available for residual wastes.
Reductions in capacity might be achieved by reducing the size of residual bins or collection frequencies and this helps to concentrate the minds of people on waste minimization and recycling, according to the position statement.
Background
The position statement gives information on the background to the alternate weekly collection process and says that about 180 of the 450+ local authorities in England and Wales have or are about to introduce some form of alternate weekly collection.
According to CIWM the figure for Scotland is 11 and the vast majority of Northern Ireland local authorities (about 25) are operating alternate weekly schemes schemes. It is also pointed out that alternate weekly collection has existed for some years and is not a new development.
There is a need for improving performance by local authorities in their endeavours to divert biodegradable municipal wastes from landfill and avoid fines for failing to meet diversion targets. Levels of potential fines stand currently at £150 in England and Wales, up to £150 in Scotland and £200 in Northern Ireland.
The Institution considers that all wastes put pressure on the environment including likely impacts on climate change and that this pressure can be reduced through sustainable wastes management.
Consideration is given to good communication with the public to ensure “clarity of message” well in advance.
Cost is of course an important issue to local authorities and in turn their council tax payers. Currently the average cost of collection schemes to householders is £80 per annum.
The Issues
The position statement indicates that where dissatisfaction has arisen with alternate weekly collections, problems could have been overcome by following a few simple steps including wrapping and tying food wastes and nappies together with keeping bin lids shut. Recent research by Enviros appears to bear out this philosophy.
CIWM's Position
The Institution believes that "alternate weekly collection can be a valuable part of a local authority’s strategy to reduce waste and maximise recycling, but its introduction should be their choice, based on specific local needs and circumstances."
The position statement considers that success hinges around a number of key factors:
- Due regard for health and sanitation,
- Scheme development based on sound data,
- A carefully thought through communications programme,
- Help for people who need it,
- Clear collection routines,
- Advice and support,
- Providing sufficient opportunities.
These key factors are amplified in the position statement itself (see link below).
According to the Institution, CIWM Position Statements represent the Institution’s views at a particular point in time. They remain under constant review, in the light of new experience and research.
Further information
Research : “Health Impact Assessment of Alternate Week Waste Collections of Biodegradable Wastes” can be found on the Enviros website.
The CIWM Position Statement can be found on the CIWM website.