'Twin Bin' Scheme - Myths
Not a fortnightly collection
The popular view is that this is a fortnightly refuse collection service, whereas in fact there is to be a collection every week, just as now. The difference is that we will be asking residents to separate rubbish into one of two bins as appropriate. Simple as that. Then the bins are put out for collection alternately.
Given the materials we will be collecting for recycling (the blue bin - paper, cardboard, cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars) there should normally be sufficient space in the green bin for all other normal household waste. Remember, if you took all these materials out of your green bin now your bin would almost certainly be at least half empty on most occasions.
The Council is committed to promoting waste reduction as a priority.
Going through your rubbish
We don't do it, and we don't plan to do it. We DO go through rubbish that is fly-tipped, and this includes black sacks left in alleys, as fly-tipping, and littering for that matter, is an offence and we do seek evidence.
If, however, you would like us to carry out a bin sort with you we will happily do this. When we introduced our pilot scheme (SOCS) five years ago we carried out bin sorts to demonstrate just how much can be taken out of the green bin to go for recycling. Many people found they could cope and make the programme work successfully for them, with minimum inconvenience.
Putting your bin/sack out on the wrong day
What we want to avoid is rubbish and wheelies being left out on the streets for days on end, as this is both unsightly and hazardous. We do appreciate that many residents put their refuse and recycling out the night before collection, especially if the collection is very early in the morning, and this should not normally present a problem. Similarly during winter we do understand people like to get their wheelies out before it gets dark and icy, and again this shouldn't be a problem.
We will normally only take enforcement action if wheelies or sacks are left out for very long periods.
Chips with everything!
We have no plans to put microchips in our wheelies. Please bear in mind future government legislation may change this situation and do so beyond our control.
Fined for putting wrong things in the wrong bin.
No, again no plans to go down this route at Swale. We won't be looking for recyclables in your green bin. If you put the wrong materials in the blue bin it simply won't be emptied, BUT we will be offering every possible assistance to try and ensure this situation doesn't arise. We are here to help; our project team will be on hand with assistance and advice.
We must stress that any future government legislation could always change the position.
My bin is going to smell during the Summer.
Following simple precautions can help to deal with any potential increases in odours and insects. If the lid is down on your wheelie smells should be reasonably contained. If waste food is wrapped this can prevent both smells and insect infestation.
Bin Police?
You won't be seeing them in Swale. Refuse and Recycling crews will have to make a brief check on blue bins to make sure they are not heavily contaminated, otherwise we won't be rummaging through your bins. We are here to help. We are all going to make mistakes and we will help rectify mistakes, not give you a fine. Project Team staff will be out with the crews at first but they will be there to answer residents' questions and to assist you if you have any problems, not to be heavy handed. This is very much a community project with us all working together to make Swale one of the best recycling authorities in the country.
