Campaign to Keep Our Weekly Collections

1.51.41pm GMT Thu 21st Jun 2007

Bedford Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to save weekly rubbish collections in Bedford Borough. This comes in the face of the County Council's push to see a common system of fortnightly collections introduced across the whole of Bedfordshire.

With scores of councils across the country having introduced fortnightly rubbish collections, Bedford Lib Dems are putting the emphasis on making it easier for people to recycle and increasing the number of materials that can be recycled under the council's 'orange bag' recycling scheme.

As part of the campaign the Lib Dems are also opposing the introduction of microchips in bins, believing that rather than punish people, the council should work in partnership with them to boost recycling and reduce overall waste.

Commenting on the issue, Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group Leader Michael Headley said:

"The Council should be making it easier for people to recycle through improved facilities at blocks of flats and the inclusion of a greater range of materials in the recycling scheme. We must not have an unpopular system of fortnightly black bin collections forced upon us. This will only serve to antagonise and alienate people when the council should be doing just the opposite by working with residents to improve recycling levels and reduce waste overall. As part of our campaign we have launched a petition to Keep Our Weekly Collections which can be signed by clicking here http://ourcampaign.org.uk/keepourweeklycollect "

"Introducing microchips in bins would be similarly counterproductive, again making people feel as if they are being penalised when instead the council should be working positively in partnership with residents."

Next week's meeting of the Full Council will debate a motion from Cllr Headley calling for the Executive to commit to the retention of weekly rubbish collections, and to reject the use of microchips in residents' bins.