New waste plan for Oxford (From The Oxford Times)

New waste plan for Oxford

5:00pm Thursday 2nd October 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(1)

ANOTHER overhaul of household waste collections in Oxford is being proposed.

And Oxford City Council believes it finally has a solution to an ongoing problem that has provoked widespread protests since the introduction of fortnightly collections.

The council wants to introduce a new "three-bin system" which it says would see food waste specifically collected for the first time to reduce mess on streets, smells and the threat of vermin.

Town Hall officials also promised that the new system would simplify life for householders, offer more choice and boost recycling.

The new three-bin system for a typical householder would introduce a new caddy for food waste. Households would also be offered a new blue wheelie bin for mixed recyclables, such as paper and glass, and a smaller green wheelie bin for remaining mixed refuse.

At present, householders typically use medium-sized wheelie bins, with a blue box for tins and plastic, and a green one for newspapers and bottles.

But the council will not compromise on the issue of fortnightly collections, despite this week's Conservative Party pledge to reinstate weekly collections to every household in the country.

With the council confirming that it would still collect each container "on a fortnightly rotation", campaigners for weekly collections warned the latest shake-up would fail to address the ongoing problems of "filth and rat infestation".

The city council said it intended to consult Oxford residents about its new waste proposals, which it hopes to introduce next year.

John Tanner, city executive member for a cleaner Oxford, said: "We have taken a long, hard look at waste recycling in the city. The new three-bin system would be simpler, would make it easier to recycle and would collect food waste for the first time.

"We are determined to clear up the mess and increase recycling in Oxford. I think it's a great system, but we want to know what people in Oxford want before we change their rubbish system once again.

"If people give us the thumbs-up, it could be introduced in the middle of 2009. There are new opportunities in terms of of food waste and new recycling outlets opening in Oxfordshire.

"As time goes on, these opportunities will increase and the costs will go down."

But Frances Kennett, the resident who withheld her council tax after claiming that a decision to collect rubbish only twice a month had led to a rat infestation at her home, said: "This is just not practical for people with small spaces to live in, who make up the majority in Oxford.

"The filth is still widespread in Oxford, as are the rat infestations. I had to move from Jericho as a consequence of fortnightly collections. I just could not live with that level of filth. I'm pleased David Cameron wants a return to weekly collections. It is definitely a vote winner."

Annie Skinner, of Crow (Collect Refuse in Oxford Weekly), said: "We have met with the council and suggested an alternative scheme that would collect all the refuse weekly in one lorry and are disappointed this has not been considered.

"We are concerned that food waste will be collected only fortnightly. This will clearly cause hygiene problems."

Green sacks for garden waste would continue in the new system, although brown wheelie bins might be introduced later.

Residents will be able to give their views through public meetings and surveys that will take place in October and November. Residents can also call 01865 252900 or email recycling@oxford.gov.uk