A Burnham-On-Sea couple have this week urged town councillors to help to halt the introduction of thousands of extra recycling waste bins across the town.
Mike and Sylvia Young, from St Michael’s Road, told town councillors on Monday evening (September 7th) that plans to issue new food waste recycling bins to all residents are “a step too far.”
Sylvia, who spoke out at Monday’s town council meeting, explained: “The proposals for yet more recyling bins here in Burnham are an absolute nonsense.”
“The streets are littered with bins as it is and several look like parts of the third world. It really is an imposition to have so many bins lining our streets. How often will these old-fashioned ‘pig swills’ be collected and are we all going to be compelled to use them? “
She added: “Where will this extra food waste go? Will it simply be incinerated or be left to rot down as compost in landfill sites – neither of which is good for the environment.”
And husband Mike, pictured above, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We’re happy to support the environment, but many residents don’t want more unsightly wheelie bins and collecting boxes lining the streets outside their homes.”
“They are an eyesore. It’s recycling gone crazy.”
“The fact that the council will probably have to use more fuel-using lorries to collect all the extra waste destroys the ‘green’ benefits.”
Burnham’s Mayor, Derick Cooper, said the proposals for new food waste recycling bins are not a Town Council initiative, but are being led by Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset Waste Partnership.
He added: “We’re not responsible for waste collection, but we do hear what you’re saying and your comments have been noted.”
Cllr Michael Clarke spoke out in favour of the food recycling bins, saying: “I’ve been part of a trial in Burnham to recycle food waste for several months now and have actually found it very convenient. The waste is collected on a weekly basis and the different bins help to separate it. It actually works well.”
