FROM Monday (15 October) changes are being introduced to bin collections across Wychavon.

This will result in 70 per cent of residents having their day of collection changed and 40 per cent of them will find the colour bin they need to put out will also change.

Personalised letters have been sent to every household explaining the changes and outlining the new collection arrangements. A collection calendar has also been included on the back of the letter to help everyone manage the changes.

The council apologise for the fact the letters did not arrive as quickly as they anticipated but you should have received one by now.

If you are one of the garden waste customers (brown bin) then these will now be collected on the same day as your recycling (green bin).

Key points to remember:

Your bin/sacks must be out by 7am on the day of your collection

Crews can collect anytime between 7am and 7pm. If your bin/sack has not been emptied/picked up by 7pm on the day of your scheduled collection then please report it online.

This will ensure you get the quickest possible response.

Bins/sacks must be placed at the front edge of your property

If you find you have extra waste because of the changes, then for the first black bin collection on or after 15 October 2018, you will be allowed to put out two additional sacks of waste by the side of your black bin.

If you do not have enough space in your recycling bin then you can put out as much additional recycling as you like by the side of your green bin. This should ideally be placed in clear sacks but if the weather is dry, they can be placed in a recyclable container such as a cardboard box. If you need an additional green recycling bin you can request one online.

Wychavon have introduced these changes due to the increase in new housing across the district and increased travelling times for our collection vehicles to the energy from waste plant in Hartlebury. The changes will increase efficiency by eliminating unnecessary journeys.

You can now recycle more from your kerbside.

The changes have allowed the council to increase the number of items you can recycle from your kerbside. From 15 October you will be able to recycle household batteries, textiles and small electrical items by placing them out on the same day as your black bin/sack collection.

Why do I have to put these items out on black bin week?

The reason the council is asking you to recycle these items on your black bin/sack week is to avoid any potential confusion with items that are recycled via your green bin. Batteries, textiles and electrical items require a separate recycling process to paper, glass, plastic etc and if they were to accidentally be put in the green bin they could cause difficulties at the recycling facility at Norton and pose a fire hazard.

To recycle these items via your kerbside collection you must:

Ensure batteries are placed in a small clear tied bag (eg a sandwich bag although you could also use a clear used bread bag) and put on top of your bin or out with your sacks if on a sack collection. They must be in a bag so they don’t cause a trip hazard and don`t fall through the cage on the collection vehicle.

Textiles (such as trousers, skirts, jumpers, t-shirts, shirts, bed sheets and towels) must be placed in a carrier bag and put out with your sacks or the side of your bin. They must be stored in a bag to prevent them from getting dirty or wet which would make them unsuitable for recycling. Stuffed items such as pillows, duvets and quilts cannot be accepted through this scheme. Residents are encouraged to donate any good quality clothing or textiles to charity shops.

Small electrical items (toaster, hairdryer, curling tongs, kettles etc) can be placed on top of your black bin or sacks.