Brentwood Council considers bi-weekly black bin collections to boost recycling rates amid falling performance.
Brentwood’s recycling rates are quite low, having dropped from 49% to 37% since 2015. The amount of black bin waste has also increased, prompting the council to consider changes.
A council leader once promised weekly bin collections. He now says a shift is needed for better recycling, mentioning government and county council directives. Health and safety also played a role in the decision.
The pilot will give them key information needed to decide how to proceed later. Recycling rates keep falling, so action is necessary. They want to help fix the problem.
The council thinks less bin space will improve recycling. Residents recycle paper, cardboard, and plastic in blue and white sacks. These collections happen every two weeks.
One councillor wants better recycling and does not want Brentwood to have the worst rate. He hopes the trial will reveal ways to improve, so the town will rise in the rankings.
Changes might happen due to future local changes. Brentwood may join other areas for a larger government, where bins are already collected every two weeks. Brentwood wants to improve before that happens.