Community group Wastestream originally piloted its Blue Box recycling scheme for paper, glass and cans in 1989 in the Stocksbridge area. Since then, the group has operated in South East Sheffield, Netherthorpe and Gleadless.
From June 2003, residents in the area previously covered by Wastestream will now take part in the city-wide Blue Bin scheme to collect paper, except in some areas in the South East which will move to the new system later this year.
The Wastestream service enjoyed good participation, reportedly up to 65% of households in the areas covered. But Sheffield council said the service was being brought to a close because of the small amount of materials that are being collected.
Mike Doherty, Head of Waste Management at Sheffield City Council said: “Sheffield is making a great deal of progress in boosting recycling. Obviously it’s disappointing that this relatively small scale recycling scheme is coming to an end. However, all the evidence so far is that the new blue bins for recycling paper and card are proving to be a hit with people, along with the other initiatives and work we are doing.
The city waste contractors, Onyx Sheffield, and the city council have been working with Wastestream to see if the blue boxes could continue to operate but have not identified a way of continuing the service.
The new Blue Bins service is being introduced across the city and has had participation rates up to 85% of households. The first 40,000 bins were delivered by Telford-based Plastic Omnium in April (see letsrecycle.com story), and plans are to expand the service to 200,000 households by the end of the year.
Jobs
The introduction of the blue bin service has created around 30 new jobs, for drivers, collectors and other support staff.
The paper and card service is the council's key measure in reaching its recycling target of 18% by 2005-06, but there are also plans to add more materials and introduce services to high rise flats.
Mr Doherty said: “Both the City Council and our waste contractors Onyx are keen to explore more ways to increase the city’s recycling rates by recycling other materials, with a view to introducing more new services to residents and providing more opportunities to recycle and reduce waste going to landfill.”
He added: “We’re also still keen to work with local community and voluntary groups on environmental issues and new initiatives.”
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