In addition to environmental reasons for increasing recycling and reducing landfill, we cannot afford to carry on as a city as we are doing now. We’ve seen some great progress with increases to recycling in Salford and decreases in waste going to landfill, but more needs to be done.
If we didn’t make any changes then costs would increase by around £3.5 million over the next two years, putting pressure on council budgets.
We’ve already saved nearly £2 million in disposal costs since black bin collections changed in some areas of the city in July 2016. This money can be used to protect other council services that you or your family may use or benefit from, such as children’s centres, libraries, care for elderly and disabled people and street cleaning.
Are you sure it will save money?
Yes. We’ve already saved over £2 million in disposal costs since black bin collections changed in some areas of the city in July 2016.
This will just increase flies and smells. What can I do about that?
The ‘smelly waste’ is food waste and this is still being collected every week - put this waste in your pink lidded bin or kerbside caddy and not in your black bin. Food waste can go inside compostable liners before putting them in the bin (we can give you these for free if you tie one around the handle of your bin or caddy). Make sure the liner is tied tightly so flies can’t get into it. If possible keep your bin out of direct sunlight.
Unfortunately disposable nappies cannot be recycled so we suggest you double bag them, squeeze the air out of them and tie them tightly before they are put into the black bin.
Rinse food packaging that can’t be recycled before you put it in the bin to help stop smells.
Won’t this increase fly tipping?
We have introduced three weekly black bin collections in other areas of Salford and we have not had a noticeable increase in fly tipping in any of these areas.
We take fly tipping very seriously and we will prosecute and fine people who do it. If you see anybody fly tipping please report it online.
I already fill my black bin now - how will I cope?
We know that 35% of the waste that goes into black bins could still be recycled. Before 2008, households only had one bin which gave the equivalent of 240 litres of space per week. Households now have four bins which after the changes will still give the equivalent of 560 litres of space per week - more than double the space in 2008.
What happens to recycling?
Food and green waste goes to compost, while paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and cans are recycled into new products, generating money for the council and helping the environment.
Why can’t you recycle more plastic?
At the moment, across Greater Manchester, we can only recycle certain types of plastic. This higher grade plastic can be melted down and recycled to make new plastic products. The plastic that can be recycled is bottle shaped, e.g. milk bottles, shower gels and household cleaning product bottles.
Yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and plastic trays are made of low grade plastic and manufacturers don’t want low grade recycled plastic.
Please only put recyclable plastic on your recycling otherwise it contaminates the waste in your bin and the whole lot has to go into landfill.
How can I order a new blue / brown / pink lidded bin?
If you don’t have recycling bins and would like to order a new blue, brown or pink lidded bin free of charge, the easiest way is to complete our online form.
You can also use this form if you need additional recycling bins, reusable bags or an indoor kitchen caddy. These are also free of charge.
Can I order a larger black bin?
If there are six or more people living in your home you can apply for a larger black bin to replace your standard size bin. You do need to be recycling everything you can to qualify. We can also arrange for one of our waste awareness officers to visit any household of any size to discuss concerns and solutions to enable you to manage with the changes.
To arrange an appointment go to report it page.