Bin roll-out will hit Brighton recycling rate says Lucas
19 September 2008
Green Party leader and Sussex Euro-MP Caroline Lucas has warned that the controversial introduction of communal bins across much of central Brighton and Hove could hit the city’s recycling rates.
It will also put the UK in breach of EU law, Dr Lucas says, pictured at a Brighton recycling point.
“There is much to recommend the introduction of communal bins in many central areas.”
"We need solutions to the ongoing problem of seagulls and foxes ripping open black bags, creating a mess which is both unsightly and unhealthy week in, week out.
“But the roll-out of communal bins, rubber-stamped by Brighton and Hove Council’s Tory cabinet, will never be a solution for everyone – especially those with mobility difficulties or those whose homes will end up overlooking the bins.”
Greens successfully argued that communal bins shouldn’t be introduced without full consultation of residents – but by going for a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution the council has ignored the results of its flawed consultation anyway.
“The Tory-led council has ridden roughshod over residents’ wishes – many locals want to keep the existing arrangements but have more frequent collections and better doorstep recycling facilities,” Dr Lucas said.
“They should only be installed where a clear majority of properly-informed residents want them – and communities, not bureaucrats, should always have the final say over the bins’ location and appearance.”
Caroline said her biggest concern was that recycling rates in the city would fall – potentially pushing the UK into breaking its European legal commitments.
Where communal bins have replaced doorstep collections in other areas of the country, recycling rates have fallen as residents find it harder to sort out recyclable materials from smelly kitchen waste on a daily basis, and the size of the bins makes it easier to throw more away.
Green councillors have argued that the communal bins should be ‘twin-bin’ designed, with a separate section for recyclable waste, and that no decision should be taken in advance of a city-wide review of recycling due to take place next year.
Latest figures show that about 27 per cent of domestic waste in Brighton and Hove is recycled, just half the rate of the best recycling council in the UK, North Kesteven District in Lincolnshire.
The European Directive on packaging and packaging waste requires that member states, including the UK, recycle at least 25 per cent of their waste.
“Everywhere in the country needs to do their bit,” Dr Lucas said.
“If, as many fear, the introduction of communal bins reduces the city’s rate to below 25 per cent – the move will mean the city becomes a drain on the UK’s ability to meet this legal obligation.
“The council must make sure that doesn’t happen.
"They can do this by only using bins with separate sections for dry recyclable goods, by improving the roll-out of doorstep recycling to every address in central Brighton.
They can also do this by collecting more recyclable items, such as the food waste which accounts for about a third of everything we throw away.”
Dr Lucas, who is on course to become Brighton Pavilion’s MP after the next election, added: “For the Tories to talk up their environmental credentials whilst presiding over a likely worsening of recycling rates is to treat us with contempt: do they think we’re stupid?
“Make no mistake, this whole scheme is about simply saving money – not improving recycling rates.
“We are drowning in a sea of waste – and we need to be massively increasing recycling services for residents if we are to meet EU recycling targets, national landfill reduction rules and avoid waste incinerators like those planned in Newhaven and West Sussex from taking over the South Downs.”
Notes to editors:
Media: for more information please contact Lizzie Deane Green Party External Communications Coordinator on 07931 231390.[ENDS]
