Frequently Asked Questions
Top three questions asked by residents
Q. Why can we not recycle plastic other than bottles?
Currently there is a stable market for the recycling of plastic bottles, as they are made from a high quality type of plastic. However, the same is not true for other types of plastic like films, wraps and trays.
As they are made from a poorer grade of plastic, or a blend of different plastic types, coupled with a lack of reprocessing capacity in the UK, it is currently not possible for Stroud District Council to arrange for these to be recycled.
Q. Why can we not recycle cardboard in our kerbside recycling box?
Cardboard is a very difficult material to collect through the green box collection service. However, a cardboard recycling bank will shortly be added to the others at the King Stanleys Bring Site. We also plan to install a bank for recycling cardboard drinks cartons.
Q. Will you collect garden waste?
Crews will continue to collect garden waste through the pre-paid green sack scheme. Unfortunately, this material is not composted, but instead sent to landfill so we would encourage you to home compost your garden waste enabling you to produce a nutrient rich material which will help your vegetation grow.
General Questions
Q. In the Stanleys Waste & Recycling Scheme going to mean higher Council Tax for anyone?
No. The cost of the trial is being covered by government grants (81%) and from existing budgets (19%).
Q. What about the rest of the Stroud District?
The Stanleys Waste & Recycling Scheme is a trial to test the recycling of food waste. We would like to introduce food waste recycling across the whole Stroud District, but we need to assess the results of the Stanleys Scheme before we can finally commit ourselves to doing so.
Q. If I can’t get to one of the roadshows, how can I find more information?
Further information on the Stanleys scheme can be found by ringing our helpline (01453) 754317.
Q. How early should I put my refuse and recycling materials out for collection?
Your refuse and recycling materials should be available for collection by 6.00am. The earliest the bin / box should be put out is the night before your collections.
Q. My family produces a lot of disposable nappies? What should we do?
Alongside the improvements to the waste collections in the Stanleys area there will also be a promotion on the use of Real Nappies. These would help to reduce the amount of landfill waste that your household produce, as well as making your family more environmentally conscious. For further information, please ring the helpline (01453) 754317 or email recycling@stroud.gov.uk
Q. What about elderly and infirm or disabled people?
In line with our current policy, if you are elderly and infirm or disabled, you are entitled to an off the premises collection. To request this service, please ring the Council helpline on (01453) 754317
For Those Using Black Landfill Bags
Q. Won't there be problems with smells and flies in my landfill waste during the two weeks between collections in the summer? Isn't it a health hazard to leave rubbish uncollected for so long?
No. We are providing you with a weekly collection of food waste. In fully utilising this service, you should not experience problems of this nature.
Q. What about cat and dog waste?
This is not permissible in your new food waste bin. You can either flush this down your toilet or double bag it and place it in with your normal household waste.
Q. How will I cope with rubbish being collected every other week?
You will still be getting a weekly collection for all your waste for recycling; it just means thinking about it in a different way. By separating your waste more efficiently, there will be less going in to your rubbish bin so there’s no need to collect it weekly.
Q. Where do I put my bag/s out for collection?
At the kerbside
Q. Why have some properties been issued with wheeled bins?
A. As part of the Stanleys scheme, half of the properties will remain on sack collections for their landfill waste with the other half due to receive wheeled bins. This will enable us to analyse how the 2 systems operate, the levels of waste collected and the types of issues residents encounter.
For Those Using Landfill Wheeled Bins
Q. Won't there be problems with smells and flies in my landfill waste during the two weeks between collections in the summer? Isn't it a health hazard to leave rubbish uncollected for so long?
No. We are providing you with a weekly collection of food waste. In fully utilising this service, you should not experience problems of this nature.
Q. Why are wheeled bins only being used in some properties?
As part of the Stanleys scheme, half of the properties will remain on sack collections for their landfill waste with the other half due to receive wheeled bins. This will enable us to analyse how the 2 systems operate, the levels of waste collected and the types of issues residents encounter.
Q. What do I do if I do not have the space to store a bin?
Before any containers are delivered you will receive a leaflet informing you whether you are to receive a wheeled bin or remain on bag collections.
If on receipt of this you feel there are issues in terms of storage or access etc. please ring our helpline on (01453) 754317.
Q. What do I do if my bin is stolen?
If your bin is stolen, please contact our helpline on (01453) 754317. We strongly advise you to clearly identify your bin as soon as it has been delivered.
Q. What about cat and dog waste?
This is not permissible in your new food waste bin. You can either flush this down your toilet or double bag it or place it in with your normal household waste.
Q. My bin is full. What should I do?
Please try to slim your bin by recycling as much as you can. Also, please look at the type of waste you are producing to see if you are able to reduce the level of packaging when you shop in the future. Please feel free to take any extra waste that cannot be recycled and will not fit into your bin to the Household Waste Recycling Centre at either Pyke Quarry, Horsley of Hempsted in Gloucester. Please note that waste placed by the side or on top of your wheeled bin will not be collected.
Q. Does it matter if the lids will not shut on my bins?
Yes. Lids that are not closed tightly on collection have been known to swing open prematurely whilst being hoisted up at the rear of the vehicle for emptying. This has resulted in the machinery becoming jammed or the bin falling into the hopper. Health and Safety issues prevent the bin being recovered and it is crushed along with the rest of the load requiring the bin to be replaced.
Q. If my household has exceptional circumstances (large family / medical problems), can I request a larger bin?
We accept that some households may have circumstances that will need special consideration. If you feel that you may need additional assistance please contact our helpline on (01453) 754317 or email recycling@stroud.gov.uk. All requests will be considered on a case by case basis.
Q. If I have a wheeled bin and put out additional rubbish out in black sacks will it be collected?
No. If you recycle and home compost all you can, the bin provided should be adequate to deal with your landfill needs.
Q. How do I keep my new bin clean?
The bin can be cleaned by turning it on its side and using a long handled brush and soapy water. As to periodic cleaning this will depend on how long it takes to become dirty. By putting your refuse in bags before placing them in the grey wheeled bin, it will both empty easier and remain cleaner for longer.
Q. What happens to the wheeled bin if I am moving house?
The bins are intended to stay with the property and should not be taken away when you move.
Q. Where do I put my bin out for collection?
At the kerbside
Q. Do the new wheeled bins contain micro chips?
No. We have no intention of chipping the bins unless we are forced to do so by law. Our view is that people should want to recycle rather than be made to do it.
Kitchen Waste Collections
Q. What can I put in the food caddy?
Please put all food waste in your caddy:
- Raw and cooked meat & bones
- Raw and cooked fish & bones
- Raw and cooked vegetables
- Vegetable peelings
- Bread & bakery products
- Tea bags & coffee grounds
- Egg shells
Please DO NOT put the following items in your food caddy: - Plastic bags
- Packaging of any sort
- Cardboard
- Liquids
- Oil or liquid fat
Q. Why can we not home compost all food waste?
Food waste like fruit / vegetable peelings, egg shells, tea bags and coffee grounds can be placed in home compost bins.
Anything that has been cooked or that contains products derived from an animal cannot be placed in home compost bins. The main reason why they are not permissible is because they smell and attract vermin to the pile. Also, pathogens carrying disease may not be destroyed during the composting process.
Q. Where can I obtain extra kitchen caddy liners?
You will be provided with a year’s supply of caddy liners. We anticipate you needing to empty your caddy every 2-3 days. You may find that you do not need the liners because you can place your food waste straight into your caddy or outside food bin. If you intend to do this, you may find it helpful to place some newspaper in the bin before you use it – this will soak up any liquid. We are currently looking at how we might provide extra sacks if needed. We will keep you informed of the outcome.
Q. What about elderly and infirm or disabled people?
In line with our current policy, if you are elderly and infirm or disabled, you are entitled to an off the premises collection. To request this service, please ring the Council helpline on (01453) 754317
Q. Can I wrap the food up?
Yes – but only in newspaper
Q. What do I do if the caddy is not big enough to take all my food waste?
We cannot take ‘side’ food waste. Please contact Customer Services and request an additional 25 litre caddy if this is a regular issue.
Q. I don’t think I will have room for the new bins.
The kitchen caddy is only 7L– with a lid & carry handle. It is designed to be kept on a kitchen work surface or under the sink and doesn’t take up much room at all. The kitchen waste bin, which is the one put out on the kerbside for collection, is 25L and is designed to be kept outside.
Q. Why should I use the service?
Food waste makes up the largest fraction (26%) of all refuse. This resource can be composted and turned into a useful soil conditioner. New legislation has also been recently introduced that will also require local authorities to reduce the amount of biodegradable being sent to landfill over the next 5 years.
Q. How often do I put out the caddy for collection?
Every week – on the same day as your dry recyclables.
Q. What time should I put out the food waste bin?
By 6am on the day of collection. At the earliest the night before the collection day.
Q. Can cat/dog FOOD go into the kitchen waste bin?
Yes.
Q. What about smells, bugs, germs, vermin and flies?
The kitchen caddy has a “click shut” lid and the kitchen waste bin has a locking handle which keeps the lid firmly in place. These features prevent any smells escaping as well as avoiding attracting unwanted attention from the animal world! Please note; the lid of the kitchen waste bin must be locked shut for collection.
Q. If I can’t get to one of the roadshows, how can I find more information?
Further information on the Stanleys scheme can be found either by ringing our helpline (01453) 754317 or by visiting our website www.stroud.gov.uk.