THE FIRST OF THE COUNCIL’s new brown wheelie bins have been rolled out to households in Enniskillen. it now means householders must use three different bins for three different kinds of waste.
The brown bins which will be used for the collection of food and garden waste will be collected fortnightly on the same day as the current blue bin collection.
The roll out began last Monday, February 1 and the move will help increase recycling output in the county.
Currently Fermanagh District Council’s recycling rate is almost 39%, 3,700 tonnes collected through blue bin waste and 7,000 tonnes from council recycling centres, however under new European legislation, councils will have to achieve a recycling rate of 50% by 2020, with the Department of the Environment (DoE) setting an even higher target of 60% by 2020.
Waste in household green bins is the single biggest source of waste landfill in the district, producing approximately 13,000 tonnes each year.
Therefore the next major step that Fermanagh District Council is taking, in order to meet the new recycling targets, is to introduce a brown bin collection for the organic element of green bin waste, which forms the heaviest part. Residents are being asked to place any leftover food items, grass and hedge cuttings, as well as cold ashes, teabags and egg shells into the brown bins.
Commenting on the introduction of the new brown bins, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Bert Johnston said:
“The introduction of the brown bins to the district is a very positive and significant step towards the Council’s commitment to improving recycling rates.
“By using the brown bins to their maximum potential, over the course of a year, households could recycle approximately 2,400 tonnes of waste, leading to a recycling rate of over 50%”.
A food caddy to collect waste inside the home, along with a roll of compostable liners to line the caddy will be supplied with each brown bin. In addition, a leaflet giving full details on what items can and cannot be placed in the brown bin will also be provided. The content of each brown bin will be transferred to a waste processor, where it will be processed to produce a high quality compost used for horticultural purposes.
Householders are reminded to take care when separating their waste as contaminated brown bins will not be emptied and the householder will have to make alternative arrangements for the disposal of such waste.
Phase two of the roll out, which is planned for next month, will see brown bins being extended to Irvinestown and Lisnaskea.
If you have any queries regarding the roll out of the new brown bins or would like advice on recycling, please contact Fermanagh District Council’s Technical Services Department on 028 6632 3533 or email ts@fermanagh.gov.uk
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
