Recycling Pilot 2021
Tameside Council are consulting with residents on proposed amendments to our Waste Policy, which highlights the responsibilities of ourselves and the public in regards to waste collection and recycling across the borough. Information about the proposed amendments to our Waste Policy, the draft Waste Policy and an online survey to feedback on the draft Waste Policy itself can be found by clicking here.
In addition to the wider public consultation on the proposed amendments to the Waste Policy, three weekly black and blue recycling bin collections will be trialled in three pilot areas across Tameside to test how well it works. Households involved in the three-month pilot will have been contacted directly via a letter explaining more and giving details of how they can give feedback on their specific experiences during the pilot.
The pilot areas of Ridge Hill, Central Hyde and Haughton Green have been selected to assess the potential impact of black and blue recycling bin collection changes on a range of housing types and demographics including social and private housing as well as low-rise flats, terraced and semi-detached dwellings.
Over the last three years, we have seen the total amount of paper and cardboard collected in blue recycling bins steadily decreasing. The way people shop, what they buy and their understanding of the environment and sustainability have contributed to less paper and cardboard being presented for collection. Blue recycling bins used to be collected every three weeks as recently as 2016, without issue and at higher overall tonnage.
The tonnage of glass, plastic bottles, tinfoil and cans presented for collection remains quite constant. However, the black recycling bins have a large capacity and a lower presentation rate from residents meaning they are not always full and have capacity to spare.
An exceptional circumstances policy for extra-capacity for three-weekly black and blue bin collections based on household size would work in conjunction with the proposed amendments to the waste policy.
It is important to the council to see how the proposals work and find out what people think before any wider implementation. If we can show that the bins can cope with a less frequent collection, we can make essential savings to safeguard limited public funds for key services. We will be reporting back on the results of the pilot later in the year.
We will be writing to the households involved a few weeks into the trial to ask for feedback, via an online survey, on their own experience of the pilot. Paper copies of the survey will be provided to those who prefer to respond in this way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are we making this change?
Tameside Council has to make further savings and carefully consider every pound we spend. This change will help us find long term solutions to saving public funds so we can continue to deliver services in an ever more challenging economic climate.
How much money will the Council Save under this scheme?
By making small changes such as the frequency charge collection described above, the service can save in the region of £370,000, per full year it is in place.
Can I have additional recycling bins – black or blue bin?
Yes. You can order additional black or blue bins online at www.tameside.gov.uk/refuseandrecycling
How many pilot areas are there?
There are 3 pilot areas, those being, Ridge Hill, Stalybridge; Central Hyde; Haughton Green, Denton. Maps of these areas can be accessed by clicking here.
How long will the pilot last?
The assessment period of the pilot will be the initial 12 weeks. The outcomes of that pilot will be assessed. As that assessment is being done the 3 weekly collections will continue.
How will the pilot be monitored?
We will look at the amount of recycling waste being collected and the number of bins presented for collection following the introduction of the pilot scheme compared to historical baseline data. We will also look at feedback from residents involved in the pilot.
Useful tips:
- Squash your cans and bottles and fold your cardboard before placing in your recycling bin to make more room
- For further waste and recycling tips and advice visit www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com
- Residents may place additional recycling materials for collection so long as it is identifiable in a clear bag.
- Tameside has two Household Waste Recycling Centres in the borough which can be used to dispose of excess waste from normal day-to-day household activities.
- Bayley Street Household Waste Recycling Centre: Bayley Street, Stalybridge, SK15 1PZ
- Ash Road Household Waste Recycling Centre: Ash Road, Droylsden, M43 6QU
- British Summer Time Opening Hours: 8am-8pm, 7 days a week.
- On collection day, please make sure your bin is put out at the edge of your property, or nominated collection point by 7am.
- Please return your bin to your property after it has been emptied.
- Check your collection dates or use the Tameside bin app
- Find out what waste goes in which bin