Supporting recycling and reducing excessive waste

Date:  15 May 2008

Why is recycling so important?

Recycling helps to prevent rubbish going into landfill sites which are starting to reach capacity. New waste treatment plants may soon be needed to combat excessive waste, but the more we recycle the fewer treatment plants will be needed.

Recycling reduces the need to extract more raw materials from the earth and is more energy efficient – reducing CO2 emissions.

What is the recycling rate in Three Rivers?

The rate is currently 47%, which is the highest level in Hertfordshire. The majority of residents are committed to recycling.

What percentage of households in Three Rivers recycle?

Over 90%.

What can I recycle with the kerbside services?

See our list of acceptable and non-acceptable items

What else can I recycle?

You can recycle fluorescent tubes and bulbs, household batteries, scrap metal, toners and inkjet cartridges, wood, car batteries, engine oil, fridges and freezers, green garden waste, mobile telephones, plastic bottles, textiles and tyres.

These items can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres at:

• Wiggenhall Depot
• Riverside Drive (Rickmansworth)
• Waterdale (A405) 

Information about opening times can be found at www.wasteaware.org.uk or by calling the WasteAware helpline on 08457 425000.

I’m disabled, what will happen if I am genuinely unable to recycle?

We will be pleased to discuss making recycling more accessible. If you are genuinely unable to recycle, then we will understand completely.

I’m elderly and frail, do I have to recycle?

We are happy to discuss with you how best to recycle. We will understand if you are genuinely unable to cope with recycling.

Elderly, infirm and disabled residents who have no other resident to help them move the bin may apply for an assisted collection. The bin must still be visible at the front of the property but does not have to be moved to the boundary. To apply for this service please download the Application Form, contact the Customer Services Centre on 01923 776611(minicom 01923 727303) or e-mail enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk to request a form.

Can I get assistance with my collections?

Elderly, infirm and disabled residents who have no other resident to help them move recycling and residual (green wheelie) bins may apply for an assisted collection. The bin must still be visible at the front of the property but does not have to be moved to the boundary. To apply for this service please download the Application Form, contact the Customer Services Centre on 01923 776611(minicom 01923 727303) or e-mail enquiries@threerivers.gov.uk to request a form.

Will I be fined for producing excess waste if I’m disabled or frail?

If you are producing excess waste because you are unable to recycle for genuine reasons, because you are frail or disabled for example, you have nothing to worry about - we will not be fining you.

What happens if I don’t want to recycle?

It is important that everyone makes an effort to recycle. The Environmental Protection Act gives local authorities powers to insist that residents do so. Recycling decreases the amount of waste that is ultimately disposed of in landfill. So if, as a result of not recycling, you are filling your bin excessively, we will write to you and explain the need to recycle. Over 90% of residents are recycling and we expect everyone to do their bit if they can.

If, after two letters and a visit to explain how to recycle, you are still producing excess waste, you may face a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice from the District Council. The Penalty would be for producing excess waste.

When was the excess waste scheme put into place?

The scheme was agreed in 2006 and was recently put into action.

What happens if I put the wrong recycling or rubbish in the wrong recycling bin?

This can lead to lorry loads of recycling being rejected costing £2,000 a time and wasting residents' efforts to recycle.  You can potentially face a fixed penalty notice of £100. People will not be fined if they make a genuine one off mistake or because of mental infirmity.

I need more recycling boxes, do I have to pay for them?

You can have as many as you need from the Council, there is no limit per household. You don’t need to pay for them.  You can request them online.

What can I do about bulky waste?

The Council offers a special collection service for large household items such as beds, tables, armchairs and ovens. The scheme is for household items only. No fixtures and fittings, such as baths and radiators can be collected by this service.
You can also take items to Household Waste Recycling Centres at Wiggenhall Depot (Watford); Riverside Drive (Rickmansworth); Waterdale (A405).

What should I do with waste electronic goods?

A new European directive means that these items must now be collected separately and recycled. They can be collected via the special collection service, or taken to the household waste and recycling centres www.wasteaware.org.uk