Redbridge Council has promised to 'make ripped rubbish sacks on the streets a thing of the past' as it rolls out new wheelie bins for residents borough wide.

From March 1, homes across the east London borough have started to receive their new 180-litre wheelie bins which can store the equivalent of three full black sacks of rubbish.

The move follows a wheelie bin pilot and is intended to prevent rubbish being strewn across neighbourhoods by animals which hace ripped open sacks.

Redbridge currently boasts the fifth highest amount of rubbish collected in England.

Residents will receive a grey wheelie bin between March and the end of May, along with information on how to use the bin and make the most of weekly recycling services, and also a sticker to remind users of what can go in it.

The new bin can be used as soon as it arrives. Any residents who previously used a bin they had purchased themselves are being offered 'bin amnesty', with the council disposing of any privately-owned bin free of charge.

Cllr Jo Blackman, cabinet member for environment and civic pride, said: “Following last year’s successful wheelie bin pilot, which saw a reduction in household rubbish, cleaner streets and an increase in recycling, we’re now rolling the scheme out across the borough.

“Our residents are keen to play their part to protect the environment, and so are we. Wheelie bins are a big step in the right direction towards cleaner streets and increasing recycling rates in the borough.

“We hope it will encourage residents to ensure they make full use of the weekly recycling collections.

“The more you recycle, the better it is for the environment and the more space you will have in your wheelie bin for your other household waste.”

Residents don’t have to use black sacks in their new bin but they are recommended to bag their waste rather than throwing it in loose.

Larger or smaller bins can be requested by households that meet the criteria.

Following a boroughwide assessment, some properties were identified as unable to accommodate a wheelie bin – instead, these homes will be automatically moved onto the council’s red sack collection scheme, and will be provided with red sacks to contain and put out their rubbish for collection.

Households identified for the scheme will receive their free red sacks and instructions from this week (March 1).

There is no change to the day of collection and collections will remain weekly.

What goes in the wheelie bin?

Residents should put items that cannot be recycled into their wheelie bins. This includes:

  • Nappies
  • Plastic bags
  • Food pouches
  • Black bags
  • Broken toys
  • Drinks glasses
  • Pet waste (litter, bedding, poop)
  • Food waste
  • Crisp packets
  • Broken crockery
  • Pyrex
  • Polystyrene

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