Witney News - Green light for continued green waste collections

Green light for continued green waste collections

West Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to sign up to an eco-friendly scheme to have their garden waste collected and recycled, instead of landfilled.

West Oxfordshire District Council is re-launching its Green Waste Scheme in April following its successful introduction last year.

Between April and December 2006, 2,750 District householders signed up to have their garden waste collected from their doorsteps. This resulted in 880 tonnes of green waste being recycled into compost and diverted from landfill.

This year’s Green Waste Scheme will be available for up to 4,000 residents across the District, at a cost of £30 per household for the year. In return for their £30, householders will receive a green-lidded wheelie bin and their waste will be picked up fortnightly until April 2008. All of the waste will then be taken to Agrivert at Radford, near Chipping Norton, and turned into compost.

As an incentive, each resident who signs up to the scheme before 16 March will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of five £30 garden centre vouchers.

Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, explained that is important for people to recycle their green waste because it eases the pressure on landfill sites and cuts the risk of pollution. As green waste decomposes, it forms leachate, a toxic liquid that can pollute water and soil, and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

Mr Harvey said: "The launch of the scheme last year has already meant hundreds of tonnes of this waste being diverted from landfill and put to good use, instead of creating a risk of pollution. I hope those residents who took part last year will re-subscribe, and that we can encourage others to do the same. As well as helping the environment, the scheme offers a convenient, easy way for people to get rid of their waste."

People can join the scheme and make their payment by logging onto www.westoxon.gov.uk or by direct debit. Alternatively, they can call 01993 861020 to pay by debit or credit card or to request an application form by post, or email [email protected].

Notes
Items that can go into Green Waste bins include: hedge clippings, twigs and small branches, flowers and plants, grass cuttings, leaves, shrub prunings, vegetable waste from the garden (for example, potato tops), bark and wood shavings, hay and straw.

Photo shows Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Environment, using one of the Council’s Green Waste bins