Silver bins to boost recycling in Knutsford

Cheshire East Council has already successfully rolled out its bin transformation scheme in the south of the Borough – now residents in Knutsford will soon have a simpler, more convenient three-bin system.

The emphasis of the transformation is on the silver bin, which will be used to collect all dry recyclables, including all types of plastic in addition to the materials collected currently.

These bins will start to be delivered to households in Knutsford, Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Poynton, Alderley Edge and surrounding areas from September 12 and the service starts on October 3.

It means no more juggling around with bags and boxes – recycling is all sorted in one. All dry recyclable materials will go into one bin, with only one collection day to remember.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “The message we want to get across is ‘think silver, think recycling’. I am hopeful the introduction of this easier system will be as welcomed by local residents as it has been in the south.

“We achieved a prolific recycling rate of just short of 50% in 2009/2010 – the highest in the North West and way ahead of the 40% national average. The Council wants to build on this success but also save the Council tax payer money.

“We must emphasise that we are now a recycling service, not a traditional waste collection service. The silver bin is central to this initiative and with these arrangements we will be able to recycle a huge range of materials. The full list of items that can now be recycled will be clearly stated on a sticker on the bin lid.

“The environmental negatives of landfill are clear to us all. What cannot be overlooked is that the cost to the Cheshire East council taxpayer for landfill tax this year is £3.5m. Next year, this goes up to £4.2m unless we recycle more.

“We now have a real opportunity to make a collective effort to put the huge range of items that can be recycled into the silver bin. Being lazy and throwing these items in to the black bin is being socially irresponsible and is not acceptable to the vast majority of Cheshire East residents.”

Recycling and garden bins will be emptied one week and the other, non-recyclable waste on the alternate week.

Residents should keep an eye out for more details to be delivered by post over the coming weeks.

A host of roadshows, which will give people the opportunity to raise any issues, ask questions or seek advice, will be held in the region at the end of September and in October. Dates and times are to be confirmed.

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