A consultation to collect views around waste and recycling collections in Nottingham closes on 14th December.
The City Council has developed a draft strategy which sets out how waste and recycling could be collected differently from homes and organisations in the city. These changes aim to reduce the amount of waste created, improve recycling rates, and minimise the carbon emissions linked to managing waste.
The draft Municipal Resources and Waste Strategy has been written in response to new guidance from the UK Government, which aims to increase recycling rates to 65% and keep landfill rates below 10%. The Government has also stated that local authorities must introduce food waste collections.
Nottingham already performs well in some areas, sending approximately 8% of waste to landfill. But recycling rates need to be improved from the current level of around 24% to meet the Government’s targets.
To increase the amount of waste recycled in Nottingham, the draft strategy sets out two new options for how recycling could be collected differently:
- Two recycling containers: paper and card would be collected separately (in a reusable bag) from other recyclable materials which would continue to be collected in a wheeled bin.
- Multiple recycling containers: separate containers would be provided to collect paper and card, plastics and cans, and glass. This ‘multi-stream’ option means the collection crew can sort the materials into different compartments of a specialised recycling vehicle.
The City Council is also introducing food waste collections. A trial in certain areas of the city is due to begin early 2023.
To finalise the strategy, residents, businesses and organisations are invited to share their thoughts by filling in the consultation questionnaire. People are also invited to a further in-person consultation event:
- 11.15am – 1pm, Tuesday 6th December at Bulwell Riverside
- Short presentation followed by Q&A opportunity
The information gathered during the consultation process will be independently reviewed. It will be used to decide how best to manage waste in the city in a way that works for all, while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.
Councillor Sally Longford, Portfolio Holder for Energy, Environment and Waste Services, said: “The UK Government has set out new targets and compulsory initiatives. We must make changes to how we manage waste in Nottingham. The changes we’re proposing won’t be made overnight, and we will ensure that people in Nottingham are supported as we roll out any new collection systems.
“We have not made any decisions before starting the consultation process. The views, concerns and preferences that are shared through the questionnaire and at the events we’re running will all be used to shape the final strategy. I would like to encourage everyone to share their views on the draft strategy. Your views are important to help us find a solution that works for Nottingham.”
The consultation closes on 14th December. More information, including the draft strategy, and an online version of the questionnaire, can be found on Nottingham’s Engage Hub.