Hope that a new re-use centre will reduce landfill tax costs
Streets in the Westfield area being considered for wheeled bins click for full list
A report being discussed by the Council later in the month suggests that an additional 5,564 properties across York may get wheeled bins to replace residual waste sacks. Wheeled bins are preferred by the Council as they are more secure (from vandals and rodents), are easier and safer to handle and reduce emptying time.
However, in the past assembling bins at a central collection point has been unpopular with some residents.
A complete list of streets which are likely to be considered for the introduction of wheeled bins can be found by clicking here
The report also reviews the decision of the last Labour Council not to establish a re-use facility in the City. In 2011 the then Council leadership abandoned the re-use and salvage centre planned for a site at Harewood Whin. Together with the closure of the recycling centre on Beckfield Lane the decision was partly to blame for a subsequent increase in the volume of waste going to landfill.
The new Council are looking at the successful re-use centre in Leeds which generates a surplus for the Council by reusing furniture.
Re-use centre
There is thought to be a similar opportunity in York where many re-usable electrical items are scrapped. The report says “Reuse remains a key opportunity when it comes to reducing the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill and the associated costs. Reusing an item, rather than throwing it away, can prolong its useful life, reduce the need for finite valuable resources and potentially create work opportunities in terms of repair and maintenance”.
Currently the City depends on a varied range of voluntary groups such as Freecycle York, Bike Rescue and the community furniture store to promote the reuse of serviceable goods.
Other proposals being considered include:
- Improving recycling in flats
- Collecting mixed plastics (not recommended at present for cost reasons)
- Extending garden waste collections to properties currently not covered (those that have green waste)
- Imposing more restrictions on the number of permits available for the use of Household Waste sites by people using vans
- Rationalising the number of sub-urban recycling bin sites (more consultation is promised before any are removed)
- Co-mingling of recycling (not recommended for cost reasons)
- The type of new collection vehicles to be purchased (leased) for use in narrow streets.
