Lincolnshire Waste Partnership to launch collection trial

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, Lincolnshire, England, has announced that it plans to launch a separate paper and cardboard collection program in several of Lincolnshire county’s communities this fall. More than 7,500 homes in the Boston, South Holland and North Kesteven communities will participate, according to a news release from Lincolnshire Waste Partnership. 

The trial aims to boost the quality and amount of paper recycled, the partnership reports.

“This scheme gives us the opportunity to do something differently so we can improve the quality of our recycling so it can be properly recycled, as our residents expect,” says Councillor Eddy Poll, chairman of the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership. “By having a separate bin/bag, we will be able to collect dry paper and card, and avoid it being contaminated by other items in the recycling bins and bags. Mainly this is broken glass, liquid left in tins and food waste. These contaminants have been affecting the fibers of the paper, making it really difficult to fully recycle.

He continues, “This trial will allow us to do our best for the environment, as well as allowing us to be in greater control of our costs which can be used to help fund other vital services. Similar schemes have operated successfully in other parts of the country, so we hope to see the benefits of introducing a paper and card only collection in our area.”

According to Lincolnshire Waste Partnership, residents will receive a new purple wheelie bin or a purple bin bag just for the paper and card prior to the start of the trial. Each area of the trial will have its own schedule for collection. The purple bin and purple bags will be used for items including brochures, cardboard boxes and packaging (no polystyrene or bubble wrap), newspapers, magazines, junk mail, envelopes (with the plastic windows in), catalogs and paper. 

The partnership reports that it is asking residents to leave out anything with food residue or grease such as tops from food containers and pizza boxes. 

Residents’ existing recycling bins in North Kesteven and Boston and bags in South Holland will continue to be used for plastics, glass, aerosols and rinsed food and drink cans. However, as a result of the trial, paper and cardboard will no longer be accepted in the existing bins. Additionally, the Lincolnshire Waste Partnership reports that household waste collections will not be affected during this trial. 

Lincolnshire Waste Partnership says it also plans to host drop-in advice sessions across the county to help residents with problems during the trial. 

“We understand that the trial scheme will require some changes to the way people recycle,” Poll adds. “While this scheme will mean more containers for households affected, we believe that the system of separated recyclable waste will be a better solution for the environment. We need to collect dry paper and card, so it can be processed and recycled. Residents will have the same, if not more, capacity than they do with their current recycling bin or bags. It will also enable us to provide a high-quality, marketable product for paper and card.”