'Lord' hits out at fortnightly bins plan

Nov 29 2008 By Mark Goode

Lord Orchardleigh

A Walton resident known to his neighbours as Lord Orchardleigh has hit out at the prospect of fortnightly bin collections - saying they'll lead to more flytipping.

Arthur Freakes, 78, who bought the title of Lord Orchardleigh 20 years ago, thinks an 'enhanced bin collection service' being trialed in 6,500 homes by Elmbridge Council could be disastrous if rolled-out borough wide.

The Sidney Road resident thinks it would lead to overflowing bins and more people dumping waste if refuse is not collected every week.

However a Walton councillor argues that the scheme could save £500,000-a-year as well as encouraging residents to recycle more of their household waste.

Lord Orchardleigh said: "Elmbridge Council talk about cutting down on the amount of waste and increasing recycling, but I can't see that happening. I live by myself so I don't have a problem if they collect my waste once a fortnight, but some of my neighbours will have overflowing bins when it comes to collection.

"The council is trying to increase recycling to meet government targets, but fortnightly collections will lead to residents fly-tipping their rubbish."

Raymond Spary's home in Round Oak Road, Weybridge, is receiving collections of recycleables, food waste, and regular refuse as part of the trial scheme.

He said: "I like the changes. Everything goes in to the food waste bins like banana peels, potato skins, and old coffee and we fill three to four bags each week. Some families have a bit more, and you can see the bin overflowing, so there should be consultation on their size."

Jean Cutts, of Ashley Road, composts her left overs and thinks the food waste service is a good idea.

She said: "It might encourage people to recycle more. But I think the fortnightly collection is terrible because the bins will be overflowing."

Walton Central councillor Chris Sadler said switching refuse collections to fortnightly collections, while also providing recycling and food waste collections, could save Elmbridge Council £500,000 a year.

He added: "Research shows a majority of household waste is food. In the last few years there has been an increasing awareness on the benefits of recycling, so the food collection and a possible fortnightly collection of un- recyclable goods will hopefully encourage more people to recycle."