New Brown Wheelie Bins in Welwyn Garden City - like it or not

10.20.39am GMT Sat 6th Jan 2007

Liberal Democrats have criticised the local council's decision to give everyone a brown garden waste recycling bin - whether they want one or not.

'Originally, you had to apply to get a brown bin. They seem to be very popular with those people who have them, and some people who didn't apply at first now want one. However, many people will have decided they don't want one. To force a bin onto these people will not help the cause of recycling, which we strongly support. Many people are not keen gardeners and will make little or no use of them' said county councillor Malcolm Cowan.

There is also the fact that many Welwyn Hatfield homes are terraced or have been extended so that there is no way through from back garden to front other than through the house. 'These unwanted bins will just lie around in front gardens becoming an eyesore to everyone' he added.

Cllr Nigel Quinton, who is to lead a scrutiny panel on the Council's recycling policies beginning next week, commented: "It is also clearly wasteful to hand out unwanted bins, especially when we are supposed to cut down consumption even above increasing recycling. The council is offering to collect back bins that are not wanted, but it would be much simpler and cheaper to ask residents first whether they wanted these bins or not and only supply them to those who do. Even at this late stage, we would urge the council to think again.

We would also urge the council to abolish or drastically reduce the price of the bags that can be bought for getting rid of garden waste. They will only be used by those for whom the brown bins are impractical, usually because of disability and these people should not be penalised. The price is now a deterrent, especially when brown bins are free."

For further information, contact Malcolm Cowan on 01707-324723.

Note for editors: The council's website states:

The roll-out of brown bins will also occur to those residents who live in areas previously serviced, but who didn't receive a bin during the first allocation. This will ensure that the vast majority of homes will receive glass, paper and garden waste collections. There will be no need to apply for bins.