Herefordshire residents get what they asked for

Herefordshire council is pleased to announce that county residents are to get exactly what they asked for when consulted about the new waste collection contract which has just been awarded.

Following extensive public consultation, it was clear that the people of Herefordshire wanted to keep their weekly collections so they are being retained and also that they wanted to recycle more so the council is making this easier by adding a fortnightly collection of recyclable materials, using wheeled bins.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment and strategic housing, said: "This comes at a cost and we are delighted to announce the contract has been awarded to Focsa. I am pleased we will be continuing to enjoy the good service we currently get and build on our existing good relationship.

"Throughout the tendering process Focsa showed they could provide a high quality service with excellent value for money for the council tax payer.

"I would urge residents to look out for future updates about the new system and also let them know that their collection date and times may change during this process but they will be informed nearer to the start time about this," he added.

Focsa will operate the new contract starting in November 2009 and it will involve weekly collections of household waste in refuse sacks as well as a fortnightly collection of recyclable materials using a wheeled bin.

The fortnightly collection from the edge of properties will take all sorts of recyclable materials, including glass, from the doorstep of more than 90 per cent of homes in the county. Where bins are difficult to store or access is a problem we will endeavour to provide a sack recycling service although glass won’t be included in this scheme.

The contract has been awarded for a seven year period and residents will be kept updated on progress towards the new system.