Residents to be given recycling box lids following backlash (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Residents to be given recycling box lids following backlash

2:22pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By James Dwan

LIDS for recycling boxes will be given to Tendring residents next week following a U-turn by waste bosses.

Tendring Council faced a backlash from residents over its new waste collection system, which was launched in April.

Despite giving residents new red recycling boxes the council saved cash by not including lids, infuriating residents.

Following the furore, the council will be making 10,000 lids available.

Nick Turner, cabinet member for environment, said the lack of lids for the boxes was one of the main issues brought up by residents after the council revamped the recycling service.

“The lack of a lid for the recycling box was a major concern and we have taken that firmly on board by buying in a consignment which can be collected from a number of points around the district.

“I vowed at the time that we would listen to residents’ concerns and act once the service had a chance to bed in – and we are now meeting that commitment.”

The red coloured paper kerbside collection boxes are for paper and card which are collected on alternate weeks.

Residents raised concerns that the waste could be blown around as there was no lid included when the boxes were delivered.

The main collection point for the lids, which will be available from September 20, will be the council’s offices in Thorpe Road, Weeley, but they can also be collected from Brightlingsea, Clacton, Great Bentley, Harwich, Manningtree and Walton.