Borough wastes no time (From Warrington Guardian)

Borough wastes no time

Recycling boxes and bags that will revolutionalise the way we dispose of our waste started arriving in Knutsford this week.

Nine men from Macclesfield Borough Council are currently delivering the containers to more than 12,000 homes in preparation for new roadside collections.

In a fortnight the people of Knutsford will be forced to change the way they dispose of their rubbish - whether they like it or not.

"We have had people ringing up saying 'Thanks, but no thanks' to the new scheme," said Paul Morgan, head of waste at Macclesfield.

No choice

"Unfortunately we've had to tell them they have no choice and must do this."

Information packs detailing the changes have now been delivered to all homes.

Neighbours have been told to store newspapers, magazines, junk mail, brochures, catalogues and white office paper in the white bag.

It will be collected one week along with clean cereal boxes and frozen food packaging, which can be left in a cardboard box.

Clean, dry clothes, shoes, belts, towels, blankets and handbags can be put in the sack and will be collected the following week along with rinsed food tins, drinks cans, glass bottles and glass jars, which can be stored in the box.

Normal household waste collections will continue until the New Year when every home will be given two wheelie bins and household rubbish will be collected every fortnight.

Macclesfield Borough Council has been forced to introduce the new scheme to meet strict Government guidelines.

The Government no longer wants waste to be buried in landfill sites because of a rise in global warming.

Macclesfield - or rather the council taxpayers - face a £24 million fine by 2020 if they fail to meet the targets.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from residents in the area and many cannot wait to start using the new scheme," he said.

The new recycling team will collect the rubbish on three routes in the town from November 22.

Tomorrow (Thursday) Longridge residents will be given advice on how to dispose of their rubbish.

Macclesfield Borough Council is hosting an exhibition at the community house from 4pm to 6.30pm to explain the new plans.

Residents will then be able to question council staff about the changes at a public meeting at Knutsford Civic Centre on December 6 from 2pm to 7pm.

Other meetings will be held at Mobberley Victory Hall (December 8 3pm to 7pm), High Legh Village Hall (December 9 3pm to 7pm), Plumley Village Hall (December 10 3pm to 7pm) and Pickmere Village Hall (December 13 3pm to 7pm.)

Residents can call 01625 504777 for more information.