Birmingham householders must pay for green recycling from February.
Green recycling in Birmingham is moving to a chargeable £35 opt-in service next year – with less than two weeks left on early-bird discount offer available for those signing up by 15th November. Central government funding cuts mean the city council is ending its free green waste service when the 2013 growing season ends this November.
Garden-loving households joining the scheme will receive a 240 litre wheelie bin for their green recycling, to be collected fortnightly over the 40-week growing season – equivalent to just £1.50 per collection if the early bird discount offer is used.
The use of a wheelie bin will reduce the mess associated with split sacks, help the environment by reducing the use of plastic sacks and save householders the time, effort and inconvenience of going to their local Household Recycling Centre to dispose of their cuttings, plants and weeds. Alternatively, householders can choose to compost their green recycling at home.
The new chargeable service will commence collections in February 2014, and those signing up will receive fuller details about collection days and what can be recycled closer to the start of the service.
Cllr James McKay, Cabinet Member for a Green, Safe and Smart City, said: “It is with extreme reluctance we are introducing a charge for green recycling collection, but given the financial crisis the council is facing, we have to move to a service we can actually afford to deliver.
“At an early-bird price of £30, the service offers an inexpensive, convenient and environmentally-friendly way for people to dispose of their garden recycling. With less than two weeks left for the early bird offer, now is the time to sign up if you want to save £5.”
Where properties are completely unsuitable for wheelie bins, an alternative sack collection can be provided. Households will receive 60 specially marked sacks to use during the 2014 growing season (February-November), also at an annual charge of £30 (early bird) or £35.
Composting is an alternative option, with composters available for purchase for as little as £16.98 plus £5.98 delivery via www.birmingham.getcomposting.com
To sign up to the green recycling collection service or find out more, visit www.birmingham.gov.uk/greenrecycling or call 0121 303 1112.
