Information on Loughborough

Survey to shine spotlight on waste habits

Posted on 06/10/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Highways, Transportation & Waste Management

6 October 2009

Survey to shine spotlight on waste habits

A new survey looking at what people in Leicestershire throw away is starting this week.

The research will provide an up-to-date picture of the types and amounts of materials thrown away and add to our understanding about how habits change over time.

Rubbish from around 250 houses in Blaby, Loughborough, Coalville, Oadby and Melton will be collected during regular refuse collections over the next two weeks, along with black bag waste from Barwell, Whetstone, Melton, Coalville, Loughborough, Market Harborough and Oadby Recycling and Household Waste Sites.

It will then be taken to a secure centre to be sorted by waste type, before being recycled and disposed of as normal by the County Council.

Tony Kershaw, County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Management, said: "This study will allow Leicestershire to understand changing waste trends which in turn, will allow the authority to continuously expand and improve its waste services. It also enables us to offer greater value for money whilst continuing to keep us at the forefront of recycling and waste reduction performance."

To make sure seasonal changes are reflected, the same process will be carried out in the winter, the spring and the summer.

Building on results from a similar survey carried out two years ago, the study is designed to provide the County and District Councils with a greater understanding of what people throw away and how much more can be diverted from landfill in future. The information will also help with decisions and development of future waste facilities.

The identity of individual properties will not be revealed to ensure complete confidentiality for local residents.

Residents who have any queries can contact the County Council's helpline on 0116 305 7339.

Notes:

The survey is being carried out by the County Council with the support of the seven District and Borough Councils.

All aspects of the work will be under the control of the County Council.

The rubbish collected will be subject to strict data protection rules.

Team members collecting rubbish for the waste composition analysis will carry identification and a letter from the County Council confirming the purpose of the survey.