Bank Holiday marks final roll out of new bin service

The rollout of the new bin service will be completed this month.Remaining suitable properties will switch to more frequent recycling collections from Monday 25 May.

A further 64,000 suitable homes across Leeds will have their black bins emptied one week and green bins emptied the next.

The addition of these remaining properties means nearly 80% of the city will be on the more frequent collection schedule as planned.

Residents switching to the new service will receive a letter, information pack and handy guide to help them make the most of their green bins.

Residents who receive a pack but don’t have a green bin are urged to contact the council as soon as possible.

Since the phased roll out of the new bin service started in April 2013, black bin waste going to landfill has already been cut by around 7,000 tonnes saving the council approximately £700,000; money that can be invested in delivering other vital services.

Councillor Mark Dobson, executive member for cleaner, safer and stronger communities, said:

“This spring bank holiday marks the final phase in what’s been a major change to our waste and recycling services.

“It’s been a significant undertaking and people have welcomed and embraced the opportunity to recycle more on their doorsteps.

“We’re continually striving to make it easier to recycle in Leeds so we can hit our target of recycling 55% of our rubbish by 2016."

The 20% of properties yet to move to more frequent green bin collections are mainly city centre based.

The council is continuing to look at solutions to increase recycling for these homes.Information on what can go in green bins can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/greenbin.

More information about the new bin service can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/newbinservice or www.facebook.com/leedswastedocs or by following @leedswastedocs on Twitter.

Bin collection days can be checked and collection calendars downloaded at www.leeds.gov.uk/yourbinday.

Residents are reminded that bins should be put out by 7am on collection day and put away as soon as possible. Bins scheduled for collection on Monday will still be collected on 25 May bank holiday.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Amanda Burns,

Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1577

email: amanda.l.burns@leeds.gov.uk