Recycling frequently asked questions

FAQ's

Why are you changing the service?

Due to new composting guidance by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Association for Organics Recycling (AfOR), the Council has reluctantly had to take the decision that it will no longer collect garden waste together with cardboard in the Green Bin.  The new tougher composting standards were introduced because too often cardboard was contaminated with plastic and other household waste.  The stricter limits were imposed following demands from the agricultural sector which has led to the increased standards set out in Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 100 on composted materials produced by the British Standards Institution.  The percentage of non-compostable material allowed in recycled organic waste has been halved from 0.25% to 0.12%. In addition to this, the Environment Agency has also requested that we stop collecting the two materials together in the same bin; otherwise they would have to seriously consider the implications on the environmental permit they have issued to our treatment outlet.

Why did you not give me enough notice, I have started to collect card in my green bin with cardboard?

We realise that the timing is not perfect, but we have literally gone through a number of options on how to deal with the above, with the final decision only approved by Council Members on 27th February 2012.  We then had to produce and distribute 112,000 leaflets to notify householders of the changes.

We will allow for the first collection only a mix of garden waste and card in the green bin, as we appreciate that by the time this scheme has started, householders may have started to collect the 2 materials together.  However, on subsequent collections contaminated green bins will be tagged and left.  Householders will be asked to remove any contamination and present their bin on the next scheduled collection day.

Why not collect card and paper in a blue wheeled bin or box?

We anticipate that the majority of card produced will fit into the existing blue bag or bags when flattened.  If it will not fit, we have stated that large corrugated card will be collected if folded and secured under the blue box in the same way that a number of other Councils provide the service. If however, householders are not prepared to do this, then the other option available is to recycle the cardboard at the Household Waste Recycling Centres. 

With respect to the position locally I have listed below for you how the other neighbouring Councils in South Yorkshire provide for the collection of cardboard.

City of Sheffield - Provides a blue box for card and paper. 

Barnsley MBC - Do not provide a separate collection of cardboard.  Currently it goes in the Green bin with garden waste, however it is envisaged this may change in the near future for the reasons outlined above.

Doncaster MBC - Green Box for glass, cans, textiles, plastic and cardboard.

I can confirm that with respect to continuing to support recycling and not ceasing the collection of cardboard altogether we have had to take a pragmatic view. The Council does not have the budget available currently to purchase an additional 112,000 wheeled bins or boxes.  In addition, our kerbside recycling vehicles are not designed to lift multiple wheeled bins on a continuous basis.  However householders are encouraged to request an additional blue bag if required and we are purchasing a slightly larger blue bag to replace the existing ones, which will be phased in later this year. A blue bag currently costs approximately 69 pence whereas a wheeled bin is over £20.  Our collection crews are instructed to return blue bags and secure them on the property, preferably under the empty blue box or attached to the empty green bin.

What do I do with shredded paper?

Please do not place shredded paper into your green bin, instead please place any shredded paper into a separate carrier bag and then place into your blue bag.  If it will not fit in your blue bag ensure it is bagged separately and left securely.   

What can I put in my green bin?

Your green bin is now for the collection of garden waste only which will be processed into compost.  Please do not place any garden waste in plastic bags, whether they are bio-degradable or not.

Can I put food containers such as pizza boxes into my blue bag?

We ask that any cardboard container that has contained food is clean and not contaminated.  Previously the card was composted in open windrows and food waste contravened the Animal By Products Order with regard to foot and mouth disease.  Now that the card is recycled it is not so critical but we do not want card heavily contaminated with food waste.  In addition, we do not accept drink and soup cartons such as tetrapaks as they have a separate plastic liner; these may be recycled at one of our 'bring sites' that has tetrapak banks.  The following sites accept Tetrapaks: Tesco town centre, Tesco Dinnington, Asda Dalton, Morrisons Bramley and Wath Library.