p01 cover.qxd - Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

Keen on being greener?Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from those who want to recycle even more.Why don’t you collectour recycling weekly?Weekly collection of both recyclingand waste bins would be extremelyexpensive. Within the current systemresidents can easily recycle, even applyingfor a bigger green bin, and there is noevidence that a weekly recycling collectionwould increase participation amongstnon-recyclers.What can I do withmy kitchen waste?Residents can buy discounted homecomposters and food digesters, which aresuitable for recycling all different types oforganic waste. We also encourage residentsto try to waste less food. On average, eachhousehold in the UK throws away nearly£500 worth of food each year, much ofwhich is edible.Why doesn’t the counciloffer a free gardenwaste collection?In 2005 all residents were consulted on whatsort of collection service was preferred forgarden waste, and a system with a chargefor those who wanted to use it was the mostpopular option.Can we have more glassand textile recyclingbanks?There are 65 local recycling ‘bring bank sites’around the borough collecting a range ofmaterials such as glass and textiles,aluminium foil, CDs and books, and another13 textile-only sites. We are always happy toconsider any new site suggested for bringsites but, whilst trying to place them inconvenient locations, we also have toconsider the proximity to houses due topotential noise nuisance.I only have one bin in thekitchen, how can I keeprecycling separate?Many homes use two smaller bins to helpthem separate their recycling from theirrubbish. If you don’t have room for two bins,the council can provide you with a reusablebag to help you collect your recycling athome.What about anotherHousehold WasteRecycling Centre, like theone on Wade Road?The Household Waste Recycling Centre onWade Road is run by Hampshire CountyCouncil. The county council is looking for asuitable site within the borough for anotherrecycling centre.I already recycleeverything I can –what else can I do?We are running a Waste Less Challenge laterthis year, to encourage those residents whoare already recycling lots to reduce theamount of waste they produce in the firstplace. We have already had lots of volunteersfor this, but if you would like to take partplease get in touch with the recycling team.Are you missinga green bin?The council has a legal duty to makesure, by the end of this year, that allhouseholds get a recycling collection.We believe that we are nearly there andwe are working on the few flats that arestill missing out. If you do not yet have arecycling collection from your home,please get in touch.Basingstoke & Deane Today 27