Sutton Council wheels in baby bins to increase recycling

14 May 2007

SUTTON Council has cut the size of wheelie bins in an attempt to encourage recycling by its residents.

Some households have been given containers as small as 140 litres.

A council spokesman defended the move, saying larger bins were only necessary for larger households.

"We have two sizes of bins for non-recyclable refuse – 140-litre bins, which are issued as standard, and 240-litre bins, which households of more than six people can request," he added.

A number of local authorities are introducing new ‘baby bins’. These are 180-litre containers instead of the 240-litre versions previously provided.

Lewisham Council was one of the first to introduce baby bins, but more authorities in London are expected to follow suit.

Merton Council is considering the move, while Croydon Council is issuing even smaller bins as part of a scheme in which the size of containers will vary according to the size of the household.

Those who back the use of smaller bins say the intention is to deter unnecessary waste. Critics claim it is likely to encourage fly-tipping.

Southwark Council is testing 180-litre bins. A spokeswoman said the council hoped the smaller bins would help people think twice about whether rubbish was recyclable before throwing it out.

"While the trial is still in its early stages, the feedback from residents so far has been positive."

Shadow local government minister Eric Pickles says the use of smaller containers could backfire. "I am concerned that over-zealous enforcement of no side collection' policies and smaller bins threatens to increase fly-tipping and harm the local environment," he said.

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