FROM FOCUS LEAFLET:

Although the Council haven’t openly said it yet, savings in the budget for the coming year include upwards of £1.5 million for moving to fortnightly bin collections and changes to more improved recycling.

Over the last few months, though some may have missed it, the Council has been consulting on waste collection and recycling.

This topic divides opinion as Councillor Mark Wilkes comments “On the one side some residents talk about their general waste bins being more than half empty, and their recycling overflowing.

“On the other side, households with larger families are concerned about hygiene, others are worried about the smell in the summer or the collections being missed in the winter. And quite a lot of people say to me it’s all the council does for the council tax.”

“Clearly the council does far more than just collect waste, but more and more residents say to me that they would be happy with fortnightly collections if recycling is improved. Indeed many residents would like to see weekly recycling.”

“The council is considering options including for all recycling to go in a separate wheelie bin instead of bags and boxes, but has to take into account that not everyone has space for two or three big bins.”

In Derwentside residents have had fortnightly collections for years, with recycling one week, general waste the next week.

Mark added “Whatever happens, Durham County Council has to increase recycling rates as the cost for landfill is rising every year. The more recycling is done, the lower the costs.

“One thing is certain, changes are on the way and regardless of pressures on the council budget, I can see this being implemented in the next twelve months in one form or another.”