Walsall threatens non-recyclers with hefty fine

Under a new scheme for the council, residents that do not make use of the kerbside recycling scheme provided will receive letters and visits from the council – similar to a compulsory recycling scheme currently operating in Barnet.

” We really don't want to prosecute people, but we are considering this as a last resort if they fail to respond to our extensive efforts to make recycling as easy as possible for them “
– Cllr Marco Longhi, Walsall council
And, also akin to Barnet, residents that shun repeated requests to begin separating their recyclable waste will be hit by a fine under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

But a spokesman for Walsall denied that this was a compulsory recycling scheme, claiming that locally it was not being advertised as such. The spokesperson told letsrecycle.com that the focus would be on education and persuasion rather than sanctions against residents.

Higher bills

Councillor Marco Longhi, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Many citizens already recycle and we thank them, but disposing of waste through landfill is expensive. Those individuals who refuse to recycle will make residents pay for their inactivity through higher council tax bills.

“We really don't want to prosecute people, but we are considering this as a last resort if they fail to respond to our extensive efforts to make recycling as easy as possible for them,” he added.

Walsall has provided green boxes for the collection of paper, glass and cans to 95% of its residents – around 101,000 households. The council is now sending officers around to households to discuss their recycling habits and ask why they are not using their green boxes.

Those residents that are not recycling will receive advice from the officers, a leaflet and comment card are put through the letterbox if no-one is home.

Those continuing to defy the council's calls to recycle will receive letters and a further visit from a recycling officer. If these measures fail to get them in the recycling spirit a fine of up to 1,000 could be handed out.

Walsall recycled 18.7% of its waste in 2004/05, it is aiming for a rate of 24% in 2005/06 – this target could be higher in future years if the government increases targets as suggested in its waste strategy consultation.

In Barnet, home of the UK's first ever compulsory recycling scheme it took 14 months for all of the households in the trial area to join in recycling.