As part of its drive to combat climate change and improve recycling rates in Northumberland, the county council’s Cabinet has approved a trial of a scheme where residents can recycle glass bottles and jars from their homes.  

 

The council’s decision-making Cabinet considered a report on the scheme at its meeting today (13 October) and agreed the trial, which will see glass collections from 4,000 households begin in November.  

 

The homes selected for the trial are in parts of Bedlington, Alnwick/Lesbury, Hexham and Morpeth and they will each receive an additional small wheeled bin for their glass bottles and jars, which will be emptied every four weeks.

 

Householders will receive a letter and collection timetable in the coming days, and the new wheeled bin delivered during the next 10 days.  

 

During the twelve-month trial residents taking part will be asked for their feedback on the scheme, so that any adjustments or changes could be made before a wider scheme could be introduced in Northumberland.  

 

Cllr Glen Sanderson, leader of council and cabinet member responsible for waste management and recycling said: “We are always looking at ways that we can improve our waste collection and management and recycling services, and I am extremely pleased to be bringing this trial glass recycling scheme forward.    

 

“Many people have expressed a desire to recycle glass from their home, and our team has worked hard to design a scheme which we hope will benefit residents, while also helping to combat climate change and improve our recycling rates.  

 

“We hope that householders in the trial scheme areas will embrace this new service, and help us by using it as fully as they can, and providing feedback so that we can help to shape future provision.”  

 

The trial will run for an initial period of 12 months with a review after nine months to inform officers and members of the costs and benefits so that a decision can then be made about its future.  

 

Residents in the trial areas will have the opportunity to sign up for electronic messaging reminders when their glass recycling bin is due for collection.

 

The move is part of the council’s ongoing monitoring and review of its waste management services, with a number of options being considered for the future, including the option to add separate collection services for glass and food waste, and to expand the materials residents can place in their recycling bin in order to achieve an overall recycling rate in excess of 50%.