As many  Weston-super-Mare town centre properties have no frontage, storage space or suitable presentation points we have not  been able to provide them with recycling and waste collection containers.  They are currently on a “sack only” (no recycling) service. 

Over the last few months the waste team has been working with council contractors May Gurney, Town Centre Partnership and Neighbourhood Management to find a solution for these properties so that they could have a recycling service. 

Two solutions have been developed to make recycling available to these properties. These are:

 * A “timed” recycling collection

* Installation of two mini-recycling centres

1. Timed collection service

The proposed timed recycling service will mean residents are able to recycle using a green box and food waste caddy, but these must be presented by 7am and taken back in (after emptying) by 9am. Containers must be taken back in by 9am to ensure that pavements and access are not blocked or obstructed by boxes and caddies being left out all day on collection day.

Residents on the scheme must make sure that their green boxes are sorted into the different recycling materials. Using carrier bags can help to do this. If boxes are sorted it will reduce the amount of time crews spend sorting materials on the recycling vehicle and minimise congestion caused by the collection vehicle stopping in the town centre.

On Monday 6 June a postcard will be delivered to all properties that are currently on a “sack only” (no recycling) service, giving information about the new timed recycling collection service. We are asking residents to register their interest in taking part in this scheme, by filling in their details and posting back the bottom half of the postcard to us at our freepost address by Friday 17 June.

We will initially be trialling the scheme for eight weeks, starting on 11 July. The trial will run in: 

• Palmer Street
• Palmer Row
• Hopkins Street

 These three streets will be door knocked in the week commencing 20 June to let them know more about the scheme, and to encourage them to take part if they have not already completed and returned the postcard.

Properties that have opted to take part will then receive a letter and instructional leaflet about the scheme in the week commencing 27 June, informing them when their new containers will be delivered, what their collection day is and when the service will start.

If the trial is successful the timed collection service will be rolled out the other streets in the town centre that are currently on a “sack only” (no recycling) service.

 2. Mini-recycling centres (MRCs)

As an alternative to the timed collection service we will also be installing two mini-recycling centres in the town centre. These will be located at:

• The corner of Palmer Street and North Street
• The crossroads at Baker Street, Alfred Street and Meadow Street 

These mini-recycling centres will have communal bins for:

• Paper
• Glass bottles and jars
• Tins, cans and foil 

These sites will be monitored for usage and any fly tipping. 

Details of the locations and materials collected at the MRCs will be on the postcard that will be delivered to every property on 6 June.

This is a really good initiative and we hope it will be supported by residents and act as a model for use elsewhere. Let us know what you think!