Slough Public Questions - 9 October 2007

 

 
Question 04

16 October 2007

From: Mr Ted Plenty of Blenheim Road

Can you please confirm whether or not the report, on page 31 of the Slough Express, 7th September, that "Slough is languishing last on the South Easts recycling tables" is correct?

Are you aware of the lack of recycling capacity in Langley and Upton, where community recycling bins are frequently overflowing and unable to accept any further material for recycling (see attached photographs for examples). As can be seen, when overfull they are an eyesore and are likely to spread litter when it is windy. As most of these recycling points have spare space, will you undertake to ensure that additional recycling bins are put in place?

What are the recycling provisions for flats, such as Poplar, Broom and Byron Houses in Langley?
Reply: Councillor John Edwards

I would like to thank Mr Plenty for his question and begin by saying that the Council is just beginning to consult residents on options for improving recycling facilities in the Borough.

The worst performing Council, according to the most recently published DEFRA figures from 2005/6, is Tower Hamlets, reporting 8.9%. Slough was listed at 336 out of 393 Councils in England and reported 18.7% in that year.

South East Councils having worse performances included Epsom and Ewell, Maidstone, Spelthorne, Aylesbury, Dartford, Hastings, Rother Valley and Dover, as well as many London Boroughs. According to these data, Slough does not languish at the bottom of a table of south-east authorities, and Slough performs better than many other English towns or cities that face the same challenges.

Some recycling centres, particularly those at Harrow Market and Langley Fire station, do not have capacity for the large ro–ro containers, even though there may appear to be some space at these sites. The alternative is to supply 1100 bins, which are prone to abuse by traders or flytippers and are often vandalised or stolen. Residents often complain about mess around this type of bin. Restrictions at the fire station and Langley Harrow mean that we cannot install more 1100s in any case.

The Recycling officer has worked hard to find new bring bank sites over the last year and has increased the number available to 30 across the Borough, with new facilities being installed in Common Road earlier this year. Five sites have also been equipped with the new Tetra Pak drinks carton recycling banks. The Recycling Officer will continue to look for new bring bank sites and all suggestions are welcome.

Recycling ro-ros can be provided for the residents of Broom and Poplar Houses and the locations of these banks and their management will be agreed with the People 1st caretaking service.