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Expansion of garden waste collection service in South Somerset
All households across South Somerset will now be able to opt in to a garden waste collection service, following a decision made this week.
South Somerset District Council’s District Executive committee has approved plans for Somerset Waste Partnership to offer chargeable garden waste collections to all households in the district, improving on the current system which only offers the collection to those living in settlements of over 1000 households.
The executive committee took the decision at the meeting on Thursday 6th August and it is expected to be formally agreed this week. The change is possible in part due to the introduction of new collection vehicles with approximately twice the capacity of the vehicles they will replace.
A project team has now been established to plan the implementation of the expanded garden waste collection service. Customers already on a waiting list and those who have previously enquired about the service will be the first to be offered the opportunity to subscribe. Others will be able to sign up shortly after that, with collections expected to start in late October.
New subscribers to the wheeled bin collection service will be charged £60 if joining between October and March 2010, covering the service to the end of March 2011. The annual charge for people joining or renewing for the year commencing April 1st 2010 will be £42.50, which is excellent value for 25 fortnightly collections each year. The alternative option of compostable sacks which some customers prefer, will still be offered.
Councillor Tom Parsley, Environment and Property portfolio holder for South Somerset District Council, and member of the Somerset Waste Board, welcomed the decision: "I'm delighted that we have been able to respond to customer demand and offer garden waste collections comprehensively across the district. South Somerset already has one of the highest recycling rates in the country and I expect that to improve further still with the expansion of garden waste collections."
To register interest in subscribing to the garden waste collection service contact South Somerset District Council customer services on 01935 462462.
For more information on recycling and waste in Somerset, including advice on how you can reduce the amount you produce, log on to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
About Somerset Waste Partnership:
Somerset Waste Partnership manages waste and recycling services on behalf of Mendip, South Somerset, Sedgemoor and West Somerset District Councils, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council.
South Somerset households recycled 44.16% of their waste in 2008/09.
Media Contact:
For Press enquiries, including interview requests, please contact Mark Blaker, Senior Communications Officer on 01823 625714.
General Contact:
Customer Services - 01823 625700
11 August 2009
For further details contact Mark Blaker
01823 625714
Email: Mark.blaker@somersetwaste.gov.uk
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