Residents of North Yorkshire are being called upon to share their opinions about rubbish and recycling as part of a major new public engagement campaign, “Let’s Talk Rubbish.” This initiative aims to reduce waste and protect the environment across the county.
Responses to the Let’s Talk Rubbish survey will provide North Yorkshire Council with insights into residents’ behaviours, helping to shape future improvements to the waste collection service. Currently, about 310,000 tonnes of household waste is collected each year from more than 300,000 properties, with approximately 45 per cent of this waste being reused, recycled, or composted.
The formation of North Yorkshire Council brought together seven different methods of collecting household waste and recycling from the former district and borough councils. By examining the existing services, the council aims to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness, encourage waste reduction, increase recycling rates, and ensure equal service quality for all residents.
One of the key proposals under consideration is the introduction of two wheelie bins for recycling: one for glass, cans, and plastic, and another for paper and card, with alternate fortnightly collections. This change is expected to reduce contamination and improve the quality of materials collected at the kerbside. Clean and separated recyclable materials have a higher resale value, benefiting recycling manufacturers and the environment.
Providing two wheelie bins would also give residents maximum capacity to recycle as much material as possible, reducing the likelihood of waste being scattered by wind or wildlife on collection days. Non-recyclable rubbish collections will remain unchanged, and residents can opt-in for garden waste collections. Alternative methods will continue to be available for properties with limited storage or access.
Cllr Greg White, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for managing the environment, commented on the proposal: “Following an extensive review of the different collection methods, the proposal to provide two wheelie bins is our preferred option for recycling collections. It would mean residents have the capacity to recycle more, and it would also provide the best value for money, as high-quality, clean recyclable material is worth more to manufacturers. By reducing waste and increasing our recycling, we can also help to conserve our natural resources, protect the environment, save energy, and support our ambitions of becoming carbon negative. We know this is an important subject, so through Let’s Talk Rubbish, we want to know how you feel about your existing collection service and what we can all do to help achieve our goals.”
All local authorities must meet the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 and aim to recycle 65 per cent of their waste by 2035. Let’s Talk Rubbish is part of the council’s ongoing Let’s Talk campaign, which seeks public opinions on various issues affecting North Yorkshire. Previous topics have included the council’s finances, transport, and a climate change strategy.
To participate in the survey, visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/LetsTalk. Feedback can also be provided through the following methods:
- Pick up a paper copy of the survey from a local library or main local office and return it in the envelope provided.
- Contact North Yorkshire Council by calling 0300 131 2 131 and saying ‘Let’s Talk’ when prompted.
- Email LetsTalk@northyorks.gov.uk.
Accessible formats of the survey are available upon request. The deadline for responses is September 16. A schedule of face-to-face engagement events will be available on the consultation webpage.
Your feedback is crucial in helping North Yorkshire Council enhance waste and recycling services, so be sure to share your views and contribute to a greener future for our community.
