U-turn on fortnightly bin collections30 September 2011
Eric Pickles wants councils to switch from fortnightly to weekly bin collections. Friends of the Earth says it's a waste of money and disastrous for recycling.
The Communities and Local Government Secretary has found a spare £250 million - and is offering it to councils who return to weekly collections.
He believes it's a 'basic right' for people to get their rubbish picked up more often than fortnightly.
A U-turn on recycling is hardly the action of the 'greenest government ever' that David Cameron promised.
Julian Kirby, Campaigner, Friends of the Earth
More than half of councils in England have fortnightly collections, which:
- Have widespread public support.
- Are cheaper and greener.
- Are perfectly safe and hygienic if food waste is collected every week.
Waste of money
Friends of the Earth believes a return to weekly bin collections would be an astonishing waste of taxpayers' money. It would also have a disastrous impact on recycling, according to government research.
It's remarkable that Eric Pickles has found spare cash so easily. We think that any available money would be better spent on:
- Increasing recycling.
- Reducing waste.
- Helping councils cut carbon emissions and save fuel bills
What you can do
See what simple actions you can take to help Friends of the Earth.
