‘We need a wheelie bin for recycling’ – say Press readers, but do you agree?
LITTER left on the streets of York following recycling day has sparked a debate among readers.
The discussion was prompted by a letter to The Press on February 3 about the mess often left behind following collections.
In his letter, S Robinson said: “Once again it’s recycling day and once again nobody follows the lads round picking up what they accidentally drop, hence the streets are a disgrace.”
The letter has prompted strong debate among Press readers.
Comments on our Press website directly beneath the letter were varied, with some arguing the refuse workers and the council could do more to tidy the streets while others thought residents themselves could litter pick.
One commenter said: “I have a great idea. On recycling day why doesn’t a road sweeper follow every single bin wagon? Sorted!”
Another added: “I completely agree. But it’s not just recycling day, it’s the normal bin collection day as well. The number of times I have rang the council to complain about the mess. Even the council say that they are always getting complaints about this issue.”
Readers speak out over mess in the streets after recycling collections
Another reader had a comment about putting bins back on collection day: “I know it’s a tough job and there are targets etc, but I really wish they’d put the bins back where they got them from rather than dumping them on the edge of the pavement, blocking access to peoples’ drives and just waiting for a gust of wind to blow them over into the road, causing an accident. According to the council’s website, they are supposed to put them back rather than just abandoning them.”
More than 100 readers commented on The Press’ Facebook page about the issue.
Natalie Martin put it simply with a view that was shared by many: “Wheelie bins for all recyclables.”
Maria Tyssen agreed: “We need a wheelie bin for recycling. All the boxes we have are broken, lids missing. Recycling is just blowing away.”
Bridgette Bainbridge pointed out how inappropriate the current boxes were for some elderly people. “My mum struggles to carry them out from the back of her house if they are full and I am not around to take them out for her. A smaller bin with wheels would be better for her, she does not have much recycling but is 86 and uses a walking stick.”
Grant Lorimer took the idea of a litter sweeper a step further: “There used to be a member of staff that followed and did litter picks after the wagon had been. But guess cut backs happened so that the bosses could be paid more. Should be paying someone to do it however, why not use people on community service doing it?”
David Westwood was firmly in the camp that residents could do more themselves to help the situation. “If some people could be bothered to take a little time to flatten card, plastic bottles and cans when recycling, there’d be less chance of it ending up all over the place. It’s not difficult.”
Press readers give their views on recycling in York
Louise Armstrong added: “I agree with the comments about giving the bin men more time and training so the can pick up the dropped litter
“But these are our streets so why when we see things dropped on the street, especially if we know they have come from our very own recycle box, do people not pick the litter up and put it back in the bin?
“If people did a bit more of this rather than taking to their keyboard to complain, then there would not be as much litter in the street.
“Also if a big weed grows outside your house just pull it up and make the street look tidy. Not everything is the council’s responsibility. We all should take a bit of responsibility too.
“Just a thought from a citizen who appreciates the street where I live and would like it to be cleaner.”
Nick James added a perspective from another part of the North. “In Carlisle we don’t have wheelie bins for recycling but the system is much better and you don’t get things blown around.
“We have a crate like York for glass and metal, and two seagull proof bags with Velcro lids for plastics and the other for paper and cardboard.
“This system seems the best of both worlds, you don’t have the littering, whilst the workers can also see if there is any obvious contaminants in the bag before emptying.
“You look at places that just have wheelie bins and there is a lot more refuse truck fires etc.”
What do you think?
Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk