Domestic Waste and Recycling Policy

Introduction

The Fylde Waste and Recycling Policy aims to:

• Encourage residents to recycle at home via the Council’s kerbside recycling service and reduce the volume of waste to landfill
• Raise awareness of how to ensure only the correct and quality materials are placed in the receptacles provided
• Provide information on what happens to the recycling once this has been collected

Background

• Fylde Council’s Corporate Plan outlines a commitment to implement a range of carbon reduction policies including recycling. This is in recognition that climate change risks are impacting all government organisations in some form and that climate change is not a future concern, but one which is impacting the UK now, and will continue to escalate in significance
• Recycling saves energy and prevents the extraction of raw materials, helping to combat climate change. It also helps to reduce waste, and therefore pollution. Recycling reduces the environmental impact, contributing to a green lifestyle mentality, as well as a more sustainable lifestyle overall

Legislative and Fylde Council Policy – Domestic Waste and Recycling

• The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA 1990) sets out the legal responsibilities of how Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) collect and dispose of household waste
• 37,735 households receive a wheeled bin refuse and recycling service. While the remaining 1,875 properties, who are hard to access or have storage limitations, are on a weekly refuse sack service with alternative weekly recycling. 100% of Fylde households receive a kerbside recycling collection service with the wheeled bins, the preferred system, extended to new build properties wherever possible.
• The Council operates an Alternate Week Collection (AWC) system for refuse and recycling collections – one week the refuse is collected and on the same day of the following week the recycling is collected. Collections are maintained throughout the year as normal including on Bank Holidays, except for the Christmas and New Year period, where revised collection dates are implemented.
• The type of containers collected is alternated so that grey, green, blue and brown wheeled bins are collected over a two-week period as in the example:

Week One	Grey bin	Non-recyclable waste (general household rubbish)
Week Two	Green bin	Garden waste
Week Two	Blue bin	Glass bottles/jars, cans, plastic bottles and plastic bottles, food pots, tubs and trays
Week Two	Brown bin	Paper and cardboard
Week Two	Battery bag	Household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, V and button)

• In 2017, Lancashire County Council (LCC) notified district councils that recycling services would no longer be funded by the County Council. As a result, an annual subscription charge was introduced for the collection of garden waste (per 240 litre green wheeled bin), and households can subscribe for multiple green bins, if required. Householders choosing not to opt into the service are encouraged to either purchase a compost bin through Lancashire County Council or to dispose of their garden waste at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Lytham to continue to encourage sustainable disposal of green waste
• Through the Lancashire Waste Partnership agreement, Fylde’s household recycling is bulked up at Blackpool Transfer Station, together with similar waste from Blackpool residents, and transported to the LCC Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Leyland where:
  • Materials are processed, separated, and sent on to recycling destinations
  • Garden waste is transported to a local facility for composting
  • General household rubbish is processed and sorted to extract further recycling

Finally, any waste that cannot be recycled is sent for energy-from-waste incineration or to landfill as a last resort.

• We are committed to reducing single use plastics (bottles, pots, tubs and food trays) and increase recycling opportunities through promotions to raise awareness to Fylde householders. We work with the council’s communications team design education and awareness programmes to promote recycling
• We are also engaged in a recycling trial project to introduce recycling units in community settings to sit alongside grey bins, to provide the opportunity for residents to dispose of dry recyclables such as glass, cans, plastic bottles, paper and cardboard. The bins utilised within the trial follow the same branding as the kerbside collection service
• Future food waste collections are currently being investigated by the Waste Disposal Authority (WDA), Lancashire County Council in response to the Government national waste consultation and requirement to collect food waste from all households by 2025
• We also offer annual doorstep collections of real Christmas trees to households, as well as designated drop off points in key locations. The trees are then planted on St Anne’s beach as part of the ongoing sand dunes restoration project. The trees help to reduce erosion of the dunes which provide a unique habitat for many plants and animals and act as a soft sea defence for the local community
• In 2007 an externally funded trial was conducted for commercial recycling which offers a pre-paid blue sack for the collection of commercial paper and cardboard too small to medium enterprises (SME’s). Following a successful outcome, the Recycle4business scheme was extended to businesses across the borough in 2008. The recycling scheme is offered alongside the existing general commercial waste collection service (pre-paid grey sacks and bulk bins). Prior to this initiative all commercial waste was collected as mixed municipal waste and sent to the local landfill site. This successful initiative resulted in over 5 tonnes of commercial paper and card being diverted from landfill disposal in 2021/2022
• The culmination of the council’s recycling work and activity can be judged by its success. The council’s recycling performance data is higher than both the Lancashire and England averages which has helped to save energy and prevented the extraction of raw materials, helping to combat climate change (2020/21 data is currently being finalised before being published by government)

Appendix 1 – Operating Procedures

Only Fylde Council issued receptacles will be collected and must contain the materials listed above and as set out in the service leaflet. This information is also published on the Council’s website. Contaminated recycling bins containing incorrect items cannot be collected as this would contaminate the load resulting in a rejection of the materials by the processor

Householders must place receptacles out for collection by 7:00am on collection day, and no earlier than 6pm the evening before. Containers must be placed at the front edge of the property unless access is only available via the rear street. Receptacles must not be placed where they will obstruct cars, pedestrians or refuse collection vehicles and care should be taken not to obstruct access for emergency vehicles. To adhere to health and safety regulations side waste is not permitted, all household waste must be presented for collection within the Fylde issued containers. Large families of five or more, or where there are 2 or more children in nappies or other exceptional or medical circumstances, may apply for an additional refuse container by completing an application form and agreeing to a waste analysis. To encourage increased recycling, households can order additional recycling bins via the Customer Services Team

Following collection householders must retrieve receptacles from the highway (or rear street). Households have a responsibility to ensure receptacles are stored within property boundaries at all other times, other than on the collection day. If householders do not comply, enforcement action may be taken under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Consideration is given where collections are delayed due to adverse weather conditions or other reasons.

Each property has been provided with a set of wheeled bins (if deemed suitable). In 2009 a bin charging policy was introduced to encourage householders to take responsibility for the wheeled bins provided and to reduce demand for replacement containers. By recovering the cost for provision of bins the Council have been able to divert money to other essential services. Council tax does not cover the cost of waste containers. The receptacles remain the property of Fylde Council and must not be removed from the property they have been assigned to when a person moves to a new house. Householders are entrusted to keep and maintain the receptacles in a safe, clean, and tidy condition. Lost or damaged receptacles will be replaced with either new, or refurbished containers, that will be in good condition and fit for purpose, subject to a bin charge. Developers, landlords/owners, housing associations and managing agents of newly built properties are responsible for providing the required Council issued containers at the property. Households can order additional recycling containers, subject to a bin charge. The bin charges are set out below:

Provision of lost, stolen, damaged or additional (where approved) wheeled bin including delivery (per bin)	£39
Provision of a set of three wheeled bins (grey, blue and brown) at new build properties	£117
Provision of a set of four wheeled bins (grey, green, blue and brown) at new build properties	£156
Provision of a bulk bin to multiple occupancy properties (per bin)	£520

If the Council deems a property unsuitable for a wheeled bin collection due to vehicle access or bin storage considerations, then the following receptacles are provided:

• Green sacks for non-recyclable waste – collected weekly and limited to 2 sacks per household (additional black sacks will not be collected to encourage waste minimisation and recycling)
• Green box for mixed glass bottles/jars, food/drinks cans, plastic bottles, plastic food pots, tubs and trays, aerosols and clean foil
• Blue Bag for mixed paper and cardboard

A property will be deemed unsuitable for wheeled bins if there are physical or location barriers that prevent a wheeled bin from being safely handled to the required collection point for the vehicle or they cannot be stored within the boundary of a property. An assessment will be completed by a waste management officer however wheeled bins will always remain the preferred collection option.

Recycling collections

A 180-litre brown wheeled bin is provided for the collection of mixed paper and cardboard. Items should only be placed loose inside the bin; carrier bags should not be used. Additional brown bins can be supplied. If a property is unsuitable for a brown wheeled bin, then a 55-litre blue bag is supplied.

A 180-litre blue wheeled bin is provided for the collection of mixed glass bottles/jars, plastic bottles/pots/tubs/trays, food/drinks cans, aerosol cans and clean foil. Items should be rinsed and placed loose inside the bin; carrier bags should not be used. Additional blue bins can be supplied. If a property is unsuitable for a blue wheeled bin, then a 55-litre green box is supplied.

A battery bag is provided for the collection of household batteries, such as AA, AAA, C, D V, and button. To prevent the risk of fires inside the collection vehicles or at the Materials Recovery Plant, batteries should not be placed directly into the recycling containers and must be placed inside the bag provided for this purpose. The battery bag should then be placed for collection on top of the lid of either the blue or brown wheeled bin.

A 240-litre green wheeled bin is provided for the collection of garden waste which should be placed loose inside the bin, biodegradable bags should not be used. Collections are completed provided the householder has paid the annual subscription charge (per bin) for this service. Additional bins are available provided a subscription is paid for each additional bin. Separate terms and conditions are available and reviewed annually. Food waste cannot be collected in the green wheeled bins however, options are currently being investigated for the separate collection of household food waste in response to the government’s national waste consultation.

Households not included in the wheeled bin collection service, can request an end of month garden waste collection by contacting the Council to arrange this in advance.

Refuse collection

Each household is entitled to one 240 litre grey wheeled bin for the collection of waste which cannot be recycled through the recycling collection service.

If a property is unsuitable for a wheeled bin collection service, the weekly green refuse sacks will be provided.

The grey bin will be collected once every two weeks (on alternate weeks to the recycling collections). The bin lid must be fully closed when presented for collection, and no extra waste should be left next to the bin (side waste). Householders on a weekly green sack collection must not put out refuse in any other container than the Council issued green sacks.

Properties in multiple occupation

Blocks of flats and other similar property types may be provided with larger receptacles (bulk bins) for refuse where appropriate, e.g., 660 or 1100 litre bins. The number of bulk bins provided will be based on the number of dwellings at the property and calculated on a provision of 240 litres per dwelling per fortnight for non-recyclable waste. 180 litre recycling containers will be provided for shared, communal use.

Collections will be in line with the AWC system unless there are exceptional reasons why a weekly collection is required. In this case, recycling and refuse capacity will be calculated according to the increased frequency required.

Additional refuse capacity

Households of five or more, or where there are 2 or more children in nappies or other exceptional circumstances may apply for an additional refuse by completing an application form.

A waste management officer will visit the property to ensure that the household is fully participating in the recycling collection services to qualify for additional refuse capacity. As part of the application process householders must agree to a waste analysis being undertaken.

If there are exceptional or medical circumstances, e.g., incontinence waste or other offensive waste, not classed as clinical waste, that can be disposed of in the grey bin, then a decision will be made by a member of the waste management team according to the circumstances.

A review will be conducted every 3 years to see if the additional bin is still required. Householders must inform the Council if the additional bin is no longer needed or if circumstances change – i.e., children no longer using nappies.

Fylde Council reserves the right to remove any additional bins that have not been approved through the additional grey wheeled bin application process or whereby the household is not using the recycling service.

Side waste

Householders must place all refuse inside the grey bin for collection and not present anything additional waste alongside the bin (side waste). Fylde Council has a duty to collect waste but can take enforcement action if householders produce side waste regularly, and/or produce an excessive amount of refuse in sacks. Side waste is not permitted, bags of waste can lead to the attraction of vermin (rats) and seagulls which can lead to litter on the streets of Fylde. The Council actively promotes the use of the recycling containers to reduce the volume of waste disposed in the refuse containers.

Missed collections

• A missed collection must satisfy the following criteria:
• The receptacle was presented in the correct location by 7.00am on collection day (assisted collections excluded)
• There is nothing in the receptacle which may be classed as contamination (see below), i.e., the receptacle only contains items listed in the service leaflet/published on the website
• Clear access is provided to the receptacle
• The missed collection is reported within 2 working days of the collection day

The collection team aims to rectify reported missed collections within two working days. In periods of extreme weather conditions, Christmas/New Year periods, or other such circumstances where a regular collection cannot be made, the missed collection policy may be suspended.

Contamination

Contamination occurs when the wrong material is placed in a receptacle. Mainly this is when non-recyclable is placed in the recycling containers, although this can also include the grey bin if unacceptable materials such as hardcore and rubble, bricks etc which are too heavy to be lifted or may cause damage to the collection vehicle.

The lists of acceptable materials are listed in the service leaflet (Appendix 1) and published on the Council’s website. Non-acceptable materials are also listed though this is not an exhaustive list.

Householders will be notified of any contamination by way of a sticker left on the lid of the receptacle by the collection crew. A follow up letter (Appendix 2) will be sent in instances of repeated contamination. Householders are responsible for removing the contamination, disposing of it appropriately and presenting the receptacle for collection on the next collection day. A contaminated receptacle is not classified as a missed collection and therefore there would be no return for the container under the missed collection policy.

Assisted collections

Households without an adult resident physically capable of manoeuvring the wheeled bin to the kerbside for collection may be eligible for the assisted collection service. Applications are made via a form that can be completed online or in writing. All applications will be individually assessed.

The assisted collection service covers the collection, emptying and returning of the agreed receptacles to the householder’s property free of charge.

Bulky household waste

The Council works in partnership with Furniture Matters, to offer residents a convenient way to dispose of unwanted household items. Furniture Matters (as part of the Calico Group) are committed to reducing environmental impact when collecting unwanted household furniture and appliances by refurbishing, repairing, or recycling items (where possible). Supporting those most in need by offering low cost, quality domestic furniture and appliances as well as providing local people with an opportunity to develop their skills and experience to help improve employment prospects. The collection service operates 4 days per week from Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm with bookings available morning or afternoon. To maximise the possibility of reuse we encourage the collection of items from inside your property as this ensures items are dry. However, we can also collect items left outside the property and items should be placed outside as close to the collection date as possible to prevent water damage. Items such as mattresses, sofas and chairs should be covered to keep dry. Appliances must be unplugged, disconnected and empty prior to arrival, as unfortunately the team will not be able to do this on your behalf. This service is only available to residential addresses only and is not offered to businesses.

Up to 3 items	£23.50
4 to 10 items	£45.50
Over 10 items	£85
Collection of a single fridge or single freezer or single unit combined fridge/freezer	£45.50
Garden shed (max size 6” X 6” / 1.83m x 1.83m)	£52