South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 14/02/2013

The council has launched a three-month consultation on its draft waste management strategy for the period 2013-19.

South Gloucestershire already has some of the highest recycling rates in England, with 53 per cent of waste recycled in 2011/12 – higher than the current national target of 40 per cent.

The draft strategy aims to build on this success, and respond to future challenges, by providing residents with even more opportunities to recycle.

It also presents a range of proposals to enhance efficiency and ensure that the service continues to deliver value for money for taxpayers.

Proposals in the strategy include extending kerbside collection services to include mixed plastics and small electrical items, and introducing a more comprehensive recycling service for residents living in flats.

The strategy also proposes measures to charge for garden waste collection, like neighbouring authorities, to encourage home composting and ensure that the cost of the service is met by those who use it.

Chair of the council’s Communities Committee Cllr Claire Young said: "South Gloucestershire residents have taken to recycling with gusto, and some 84 per cent of them now recycle regularly. Our residents’ recycling rate is in the top five unitary councils in the country.

"The council’s now looking at how to reform our service, to provide even more opportunities, while making sure it’s still good value for money.

"I know local people hold strong opinions on the waste and recycling services, so we hope lots of them will get in touch to share their views."

Consultation on the strategy runs until 20 May 2013 and includes a range of public presentations throughout the district. Further details, and an online survey, can be accessed via the council’s website at www.southglos.gov.uk/wasteconsultation