Alternate Week Collections

That's terrific! - But we want to do much better.

It's estimated that as much as 60% of what we throw away can be recycled. Recycling saves energy, reduces pollution and reduces the strain put upon the world's natural resources.

So it makes real sense to recycle as much as we can.

The government has set all local councils targets for recycling. Those that fail to meet these targets will face financial penalties. Inevitably, when penalties are incurred, they end up being reflected in the amount of council tax we all pay.

In Rotherham we're committed to making sure that doesn't happen, which is why we're changing the way we collect your waste.

If you have received your green bin for garden waste, kitchen peelings and thin and thick card you will also receive the new alternate week collection service. It's a simple scheme. One week, we'll collect your black wheeled bin. The next, we'll collect your blue box, blue bag and your green bin.

Many councils across the UK are already using this scheme with great results and with your help, we can make the scheme a success here too!

The following information refers to the recent changes in the collection of raw fruit and vegetable peelings in your green bin.  Since the initial introduction of green bins in Rotherham, there has been a change in the Regulations that effect the collection and disposal of food waste including raw fruit and vegetable peelings.  The Regulations that impact on our Garden Waste service are the Animal By-Products Regulations 2005 (Regulation EC 1774/2002).

Under the above Regulations, household kitchen waste is categorised as category 3 low risk catering waste, where catering waste is defined as:

"All waste food including used cooking oil originating in restaurants, catering facilities and kitchens, including central kitchens and household kitchens."

Garden waste or "green waste" is not affected by these Regulations.  However, a bin containing garden waste with some kitchen peelings would now be categorised as catering waste and must be treated at an approved licensed processor using an In Vessel Composting system.  Our current composting system is open windrow composting which does not comply with the above Regulations.  Therefore, from 10th September 2007 we will no longer be able to collect any fruit or vegetable peelings in your green bin. We will still be able to collect garden waste and clean cardboard.

Of course you can still put fruit and vegetable waste in your home compost bin.  Home compost bins can be purchased at a discounted rate. Please see the  Composting page for details.

Please see the links below or contact the Helpline on 01709 336034 for further information.

 Alternate Week Collection Covering Letter (177 Kb)
 Using Your Green Bin (1,106 Kb)
 Your Questions Answered (978 Kb)
 Week 1 And Week 2 Collection Calendar Dates 2008 (254 Kb)