Recycling Rates are Rubbish

In an article recently run by the Basingstoke Observer about re-cycling rates in Basingstoke and Dean we have sent the following letter to the editor.

Thank you for highlighting the low level of recycling achieved by Conservative-run Basingstoke and Deane Council. (Recycling rate is rubbish says Cllr)

It was very telling that rather than accept any responsibility for the failure, the Cabinet Member responsible for recycling seeks to blame others. So she says it's the fault of the public for not being "educated" enough.

Actually, the oppose is the problem. The public is fed up of being lectured but not listened to.

Instead of trying to "educate people" the Council needs to identify the barriers that prevent people from recycling more and act to remove them.

It is nice to hear the Conservatives say they will listen to ideas, but where is the evidence they act on what they hear? It's not exactly difficult to find Councils with better recycling rates which Basingstoke and Deane could learn from; There are literally hundreds of them. The problem has been a lack of political will and an administration putting spin above substance

So here's a few ideas to consider: Free Kitchen and/or Garden Waste Collection available to all residents. This option could double recycling rates. Weekly collection of both recycling and black bin waste. More "every day items in your green bin" Other Councils collect a vast range of things from the doorstep - all in one wheelie bin. Straight forward, easy to use recycling systems have better results. Better "Bring Sites", accepting a wider range of material. There is a good bring site at Wade Road which accepts a wide range of material, but it's hardly convenient for everyone.

All of these options require long term commitment and planning from the Council. All have been tried, tested and implemented by Council's elsewhere in the Country. Why not here?

Councillor John Shaw