Residents campaign against bin changes in Ashfield

More than a thousand residents have signed the petitions on change.org against the move aimed at greater recycling.

Councillors have voted to introduce the smaller bins with a free garden waste bin for a two year period.

As the Dispatch went to press, the petition by Hucknall resident Stuart Henson-Pocklington: Ashfield District Council - Don’t shrink our Black Bins! - had raised 500 signatures.

Another petition by Sutton resident Danny Harvey: Stop Ashfield District Council from introducing smaller black bins - had attracted more than 750 signatures.

Mr Henson-Pocklington said: “Ninety nine per cent of people in the Ashfield district fully support recycling and do all they can to recycle as much as possible, however as the general waste bin is only emptied once every two weeks most families completely fill it even though they also fill their recycle bin.

“There is no evidence been given that ADC has considered alternative methods to increase recycling, and there has been little or no public consultation before the council voted in favour of it.

“Residents have a real fear of increased fly tipping due to bins being full and residents having nowhere to discard their waste other than in the streets.”

Edd DeCoverly service director for environment at ADC said the new measures to be introduced in March 2016 would be both environmentally friendly and save residents money,

He said “We are keen to discuss how we work to improve reducing the amount of waste for disposal and deal with residents’ concerns.”

The authority would increase the capacity for people with larger families and medical waste needs, provide support at times of the year when waste increases.