By David LennardMEMBERS of the public have given their support for a recycling initiative being introduced in north Suffolk next month.Following a successful pilot scheme earlier this year, Waveney District Council is to begin the second phase of its recycling programme by extending a three-bin collection system.

By David Lennard

MEMBERS of the public have given their support for a recycling initiative being introduced in north Suffolk next month.

Following a successful pilot scheme earlier this year, Waveney District Council is to begin the second phase of its recycling programme by extending a three-bin collection system.

Homes in parts of Halesworth, Southwold, Reydon, Beccles, Worlingham, Bungay, Carlton Colville and Kessingland will begin operating the new system from December.

Council officials have been travelling around the district this week with a recycling roadshow to explain to people how the new system will operate.

Householders will be asked to divide their rubbish with kitchen waste placed in a black bin, garden waste in a green bin and recyclable goods - including paper, plastic cartons and tin foil - in a blue bin.

Collections will be alternated with the black bins being emptied one week and the blue and green on the following week.

However, there have been problems in the trials with they system labelled too complicated.

The council has also received complaints that large families in particular had problems with the black bin overflowing with rubbish as it was only collected fortnightly.

Council spokesman, David Holland, said: “We have listened to the complaints and hope that once people get used to the system, it will prove effective.”

The scheme is being introduced to help Waveney District Council meet strict Government targets on reducing the amount of waste being buried in landfill sites.

“In Waveney and other parts of Suffolk, we think the three-bin system is the best and most cost-effective way of achieving these targets,” said Mr Holland.

Collection days will not alter under the new system that is due to begin in the week starting December 8 when blue and green bins will be collected, followed by black bins being collected during the week starting December 15.

Members of the public have the opportunity to opt out of the scheme, but their black bins will only be collected fortnightly.

Waveney District Council has set up a helpline during normal office hours on 01502 523561 or more information is available on its website at www.waveney.gov.uk.

david.lennard@eadt.co.uk