Will new recycling bags blow away say residents

WILL new blue plastic recycling bags soon be seen blowing all over Keynsham?

That is the question residents are asking during the recent high winds as B@NES Council is set to introduce the bags for collecting cardboard and plastics.

The council will be collecting cardboard every week and it will mean householders will be able to use the new bags for recycling solid plastic items used to package food and drinks such as plastic pots, trays and tubs as well plastic bottles.

But people fear that once the 43 cm cubed bags with a capacity of 91 litres are emptied they could blow down roads and across people gardens.

A council spokesman said: “The bag has a weighted base to reduce the chance of it b and the recycling collectors will make sure that they leave it inside your green box after collection.”

But a middle-aged Keynsham housewife who didn’t want to be named, said: “What if you don’t put out your green box? Even when I do they are just left anywhere on the pavement and not even put in the garden or on the drive.

“And sometimes during the recent weather even the boxes have blown into the road.”

Frequently asked questions to the council over the new scheme include:

1. What types of cardboard can I recycle?

You can recycle all cardboard packaging such as cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, ready meal sleeves, egg boxes and toilet roll tubes.  You can also put out greetings cards and brown paper.

2. Why do cardboard and brown have to be collected separately from the rest of the paper?

If cardboard and brown paper get mixed with the rest of the paper (newspapers, magazines etc.) it may be rejected by the paper mill because it leaves brown spots that spoil the finished product.

3. Can I put food and drinks cartons (Tetrapaks) in with my recycling?

No.  These cannot be recycled with the cardboard as they contain other materials.  There are five recycling banks in Bath and North East Somerset where you can take them.  To find out more, please go to Recycling Banks.

4. Do I have to remove the tape and plastics that comes with my cardboard?

Yes please.  Make sure that you remove ALL plastic, tape and polystyrene as these can't be recycled and will contaminate the cardboard.

5. Can I still put cardboard out for my composting collection?

No.  We will no longer be taking cardboard for composting so please use your weekly recycling collection instead.

7. How do I get a bag?

If you have not received a bag, please contact Council Connect councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 39 40 41.  Please note, we will only issue one bag per household.

8. What if I have too much cardboard for the blue bag?

You need to pack your cardboard flats so that it fits into the blue bag - it can easily hold a large amount of cardboard.  Extra cardboard can be placed out for collection in untied carrier bags or tied with string.  It cannot be put loose in the green box.  All card must be folded or cut so that it is no bigger than 45 cm so that it can fit on the vehicle.

9. Can I put cardboard out if I don't have a blue bag?

Yes.  You can still put cardboard out provided that you pack it flat and keep it separate from the paper - see question 8.