'Kerbside'
collection of recyclables
202. In order to increase recycling rates, many authorities
are now opting for door-to-door collections of recyclable materials
(known as 'kerbside') to supplement or replace collections through
material banks and civic amenity sites. Friends of the Earth consider
kerbside collection to be essential to improved recovery rates,[372]
and the DETR now advocates it in its guidance to local authorities
on recycling.[373]
203. The principal benefit of such a collection strategy
is the greater incentive it provides to householders to participate
in recycling; recent figures released by the Audit Commission
indicate that one authority, Castle Morpeth, increased its recycling
rate by 16.6 per cent between 1994 and 1997 through the introduction
of a kerbside collection system.[374]
Yet inevitably, as we have noted in our previous comments (see
paragraph 82), there are difficulties for local authorities seeking
to implement such systems. Increasing the complexity of the waste
collection service may lead to greater costs, as may the separate
collection of materials in different vehicles.[375]
Procter and Gamble noted that in Germany the collection of packaging
separated from the domestic waste stream increases the cost of
dealing with the waste to over £300 per tonne, and there
are environmental problems with vehicle emissions and increased
fuel consumption.[376]
Householders may be concerned over hygiene if the materials are
stored in the home for any extended period. For the processor
of the materials there are still likely to be problems with contamination,
where householders fail to separate the recyclables fully, and
with the reliability of the supply.[377]
The London Borough of Hounslow and Lincolnshire County Council
both confirmed that "the 'throw-away' mentality" persists,
so that such collections are not always welcomed.[378]
204. The determination of local authorities and other
groups to address these problems has led to some interesting solutions.
The concept of kerbside collection can be implemented in many
varied ways: perhaps, as the Department suggests, beginning with
only one or two materials and increasing in line with public support.
Ian Avery told us that the Waste Collection Authorities participating
in Hampshire's Project Integra are each operating different collection
systems and have found that "different types of container,
yield different results"; while the operation of different
collection systems poses a problem to the Disposal Authority,
the breadth of the experiment is helping them "to avoid trying
to re-invent the wheel all the time".[379]
Haringey is reported to be using electric vehicles to cut down
emissions during collections and Worthing has set up a scheme
in conjunction with the Institute of Grocery Distribution which
has successfully increased waste diversion to 14 per cent for
an increased cost of only £1.33 per household per year.[380]
205. It is the cost of such systems which is likely
to be the most significant deterrent to local authorities at the
present time, yet even this can be countered. Michael Walker of
the Composting Association told us that the answer lies in implementing
a "twin bin" system: one bin for non-recyclable waste
and the other for recyclable, or compostable, material. Since
the waste is split between the two bins it was argued that it
is possible to collect each bin only once a fortnight. By alternating
the collections it is possible to keep costs, and emissions, at
existing levels, with only "a one off cost to pay for the
second wheel bin".[381]
We questioned how hygienic it would be to store wastes for a fortnight,
particularly in hot weather, but were assured that odour and associated
problems did not appear to cause complaint provided the waste
is stored in a proper bin rather than a plastic bag.[382]
206. On the subject of waste receptacles, we have
noted both on our visit to Hampshire and within our constituencies
that a wide range of bags (black, green or transparent plastic),
boxes and bins are now being used. We consider it to be particularly
important that Waste Collection Authorities ensure the materials
used to contain waste for collection and transportation are fit
for purpose and, wherever possible, recyclable or biodegradable.
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