Redcar and Cleveland Council has given the green light to a 12-month trial, in which blue recycling bins will be given to residents who need one, would like an additional one, or would like a to swap to a larger one - free of charge.
The decision comes off the back of a waste and recycling survey, which was responded to by over 3000 people this summer; and revealed a significant demand for the capacity to recycle more.
Since the survey, the council has responded by offering free composting bins to those residents who wished to recycle organic and other biodegradable waste, and now, additional or larger blue bins are also being made available.
Residents who are currently without a bin – or who have one but wish to recycle even more – will be given one at no cost, subject to a visit from the Recycling Team; saving them the current fee of £23 for a 240 litre bin, or £40 for a 360 litre bin.
If you need a blue bin or are a super-recycler who wants to recycle more than your existing bin can hold, you can contact Customer Services on 01642 774774 to request one. Your details will be taken and a visit from the Recycling Team will be arranged to assess your needs, give you some handy tips and deliver your new bin.
Councillor Julie Craig, Cabinet Member for Transport, Neighbourhoods and Highways, said:
“The Cabinet is very pleased to approve this decision to meet the needs of our residents and respond to their requests. Recycling is one of the major ways we can take better care of our planet, so the more we can do to support residents in this, the better. Thank you to those of you who expressed the interest for this in the survey. It is really heartwarming to know so many local people want to be proactive in protecting the environment."