1. Why are you introducing the Blue Box recycling scheme?
2. How big is the Blue Box?
3. Do I continue to use my blue bag for paper recycling?
4. When is my Blue Box collection day?
5. Does this mean we will only get a refuse collection every fortnight?
6. Will I have to put the box out on collection day?
7. If I forget to put my box out what will happen?
8. Is there a blue bag/ Blue Box collection on Bank Holidays?
9. Can I have an assisted collection for my blue box?
10. What if my Blue Box is damaged or stolen?
11. What if I don't want a Blue Box?
12. How do I recycle items that I can't put in the Blue Box?
13. Does the scheme include Businesses?
14. Our household does not produce much material for recycling. Can we still take part?
15. We produce loads of material for recycling; the box will not be big enough?
16. We have a very small house, where can I keep my box?
17. Why did I not get a lid with my box?
18. Why is my area not on the Blue Box scheme?
19. Where do the materials go to?
20. What happens to all the money the Council will be saving. Will I get a reduction in Council Tax?
1. Why are you introducing the Blue Box recycling scheme?
There are many reasons we are introducing this scheme including:- All councils now have to meet strict Government recycling targets. We also need to manage our waste sustainably, which will reduce environmental problems for future generations.
2. How big is the Blue Box?
We will provide all homes taking part in the scheme with a 55 litre capacity box for recycling. Large Cardboard box sized- the dimensions are approximately: H: 320 mm, W: 540mm, D: 420mm or inches H:13, W:23, D19.
3. Do I continue to use my blue bag for paper recycling?
Yes, it is important to keep your waste paper away from other materials collected for recycling to avoid contamination.
4. When is my Blue Box collection day?
Your collection day is on the same day as your refuse but alternate weeks together with your blue bag. You should have been issued a leaflet with your blue box listing the collection days.
Week 1 and Week 2 Collection Dates
5. Does this mean we will only get a refuse collection every fortnight?
No, for the moment your refuse collection will still be weekly. However, by giving you this blue box we have effectively increased the amount of waste you may (present) put out by 55 litres (this is roughly a full wheeled bins worth more- every 4 weeks).
6. Will I have to put the box out on collection day?
Yes, you will need to place the box together with your blue bag and refuse bin by 7:00am on your collection day, the same as your wheeled bin. Do not place your blue bag inside your blue box as it is collected separately. Please place your bin, box and bag carefully and try not to cause any obstruction.
7. If I forget to put my box out what will happen?
Your recyclables will be collected on your next scheduled collection day.
8. Is there a blue bag/ Blue Box collection on Bank Holidays?
Yes there will be. The only changes to collections will be over Christmas and New Year.
9. Can I have an assisted collection for my blue box?
If you are already in receipt of an assisted collection for your refuse collection then it will apply to your blue box too.
10. What if my Blue Box is damaged or stolen?
Please contact the Blue Box Helpline 01709 336033 or email: recycling@rotherham.gov.uk
11. What if I don't want a Blue Box?
The scheme is voluntary but we would ask you to try participating in the scheme and see how easy it is.
12. How do I recycle items that I can't put in the Blue Box?
The 4 Household Waste Recycling Centres accept cardboard and plastic bottles (as well as many other materials) for recycling, and other waste for disposal.
13. Does the scheme include Businesses?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer the recycling collection to businesses. If you have materials that you wish to recycle please contact our Sustainable Waste Services Officer who will be able to advise you.
14. Our household does not produce much material for recycling. Can we still take part?
You do not have to leave your blue box out for collection every 2 weeks. If you only have small amounts you may wish to put the box out less frequently as long as it is on a collection day.
15. We produce loads of material for recycling; the box will not be big enough?
Place you materials in a bag next to your blue box and the extra recyclables will be taken.
16. We have a very small house, where can I keep my box?
Many people store their boxes in garages, sheds, out houses or even outside.
17. Why did I not get a lid with my box?
Our research into similar schemes across the country shows that the majority do not use lids as they:
- Frequently get lost or blown away
- Encourage residents to use the boxes for purposes other than recycling (e.g. toy boxes)
- Significantly increase time spent collecting the boxes.
- Significantly increase the total cost of the scheme.
However, residents may contact us and purchase a lid for £1 from which a donation will be made to a Mayor's charity. If you do have a lid it is your property and it is advisable not to put it out on your collection day in case it is lost. The Council will not replace any lids free of charge, it is your property.
18. Why is my area not on the Blue Box scheme?
Unfortunately it is not possible to place every household on the scheme at once. We do hope to phase the scheme in over a period of time. In the meantime please continue to use the Blue Bag waste paper collection scheme and 'bring' recycling facilities near you.
19. Where do the materials go to?
The materials are taken to a recycling transfer station in Sheffield, before onward transportation and re-processing. Where possible we have sourced local markets for the materials.
20. What happens to all the money the Council will be saving. Will I get a reduction in Council Tax?
Although the Council does not pay landfill disposal costs on recycling, the cost of collection far outweighs any savings in monetary terms. However the environmental benefits are significant.
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