Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has stated that local authorities considering the idea of introducing alternate weekly collections (AWC) will need to obtain the support of both political and public individuals and entities.
In a recent address to an audience of local authority delegates at the Resource Recovery Forum, WRAP recycling adviser Sue Reed said that the key for AWCs to work is to get both political and public support. “You need to speak with and consult with your local residents and find out what they need and what they prefer, and from a political perspective make sure that everybody is on board. We have got examples where it has really become a political issue and schemes have had to be withdrawn because of politics rather than because of the operational practicalities of the service.”
A recent survey on public attitudes regarding AWCs said that “the public did not follow political or newspaper readership lines when asked whether they wanted AWCs in their area”.
A spokesman said: “When you ask weekly collection residents whether they like or not, irrespective of whether they vote Liberal Democrat, Labour or Conservative, they are against it. And likewise whether they read the Guardian or Daily Mail similarly against it. Again, when you actually explain the situation to them, they will fall into line so to speak. Irrespective of party political lines or not it can work in Conservative or Labour areas. The issue transcends party political lines when you explain what kind of services they are getting.”
For more information visit: wrap.org.uk.
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