‘Something’ will be changed regarding our rubbish collection, our recycling, new ‘categories’ of collection, more bins / bags and the future of some recycling centres. This was noted in a recent story where it became clear that there were major changes afoot. Closure of two recycling centres – with no replacements yet identified, a likely three week cycle for general waste, and more. What do we – residents of the Marlborough and surrounding area think? What do we want? Marlborough Town Councillor Peter Morgan created a survey of the residents of Manton and the results are below. Are the views of those in Manton representative of us all? And what will these changes mean to us?
The Wiltshire council proposals – in summary – are:
- General waste collections – to be every three weeks (every fortnight at present)
- Food waste to have a new bin and to be collected separately
- Soft plastics to be collected separately – in a specific bag(?)
- Two recycling centres to close – one being the nearby Compton Bassett site, used by some from around here
- Possible introduction of a ‘booking system’ for recycling centre visits
Peter’s introduction:
Manton is one of those picturesque Kennet valley villages that quietly gets on with life. With some 390 residents living in 213 homes, farming and equestrianism predominate local business, while Preshute Primary and the Oddfellows pub are the cornerstones of this quintessentially Wiltshire community. The thing about living in the country is that there’s no room for virtue signalling. Something either works or it doesn’t. And if it works, don’t fix it! That appears to be Manton’s response to Wiltshire Council’s recently announced changes to its Waste & Recycling service.
Over the late December period, I conducted a very informal, unscientific email survey of the village I represent on Marlborough Town Council. The survey allowed villagers to see the full Wiltshire Council statement on the proposed changes and asked for their reactions. I had responses from around 10% of households – which in survey terms is quite good. And the results suggest Wiltshire Council need to start listening.
The findings, opinions of those living in Manton:
Overall:
General feeling towards recycling is positive but to work the system must be simple, encourage participation and work for all. Feelings on changes are generally sceptical. The proposed changes don’t take enough account of users (the residents). Several commented on the confusion over service during the Christmas New Year period.
Black bin collection:
Three week collections are not easy to track. They would likely cause confusion for all as there would be no natural alternate week rhythm (with recycling collections).
A missed collection as a result of timing confusion, holiday, illness, etc could mean bin has to hold up to 6 weeks refuse. It is considered very high risk to think non-recyclable refuse volume will decline and that bins will not overload. Some suggest bin load will just increase 50%.
There was only one household supporting 3-week collections (“since it is usually half empty anyway”). Another comment was that for 1-2 person homes a 3 week black bin collection might work in terms of refuse, but without food waste. 3 week collections not so good for the average family with children living at home, nappies etc. A 3 week collection for the whole family is not sustainable. Those with families may need extra bins.
There are real concerns in our rural village from smells and an increase in rats/mice/foxes.
WC would need to supply a printed calendar to each home showing when collections will be made.
There will be weeks when collection dates for refuse and recycling will fall within the same week. When garden waste collections are also taken into account that could mean 3 collections within one week. This could also result in significant street clutter and blocked pavements.
Food and soft plastics collection:
General conditional support for this. Most want no extra bins and there is some confusion as to what is ‘food waste’. Soft plastics collection was welcomed. All extra collections will require careful consideration from the user’s viewpoint for convenience, practicability and cost effectiveness. Is it really worth collecting?
Bags for food waste are noted from experiences elsewhere as “ridiculous” (so weekly collection essential). Comments made that separating food waste is not worth it not only because of expense, and hygiene. There were serious concerns about separate small bins (more street clutter) or bags (vermin attack). Noted that when food waste collection was introduced in Dorset, many residents ignored it.
Visits to waste & recycling site:
Almost universal resistance to any form of booking system. There was only one positive suggestion “if it must be introduced, make it weekends only.”
Comments that Council Tax is already high and that the proposals reduce the service. “Making it more difficult to dispose of waste at the recycling tips will add to even more fly tipping. The council should be encouraging ease of waste disposal, not leaving it in laybys and quiet roads and fields!!!”
“I feel most strongly (negatively) about the need to book a slot to the tip. It will make recycling much harder and it’s hard enough as it is!” Frequent comment is why change tip access when it works well.
“We have never experienced queues at the Marlborough site, which seems to work well currently.” If there is a problem, keep sites open longer (the system should serve residents, not WC).
A booking system will lead to more fly tipping, increased administration by users and site operators.
The views of those living in Manton. Consideration should also be given to the effect of the Compton Bassett recycling Centre closure. This will undoubtedly increase traffic to the Marlborough centre (it has when that Calne site had been closed previously) but no additional opening hours for Marlborough to accommodate this.
Any comments or suggestion please write to: letters@marlborough.news
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