District Council shows commitment to waste and recycling

Residents in Stratford-on-Avon District can be assured of a first-class waste and recycling service, with Stratford-on-Avon District Council signing up to a new commitment.

The Waste Collection Commitment has been set up by the Local Government Association and WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) and is based on research about what people like and dislike about their existing services. As a result, local authorities can sign up to the commitment, which shows they deliver a good value for money service that meets the needs of residents.

"Stratford-on-Avon District Council is committed to reducing waste being sent to landfill and strives to deliver a high standard of service. Therefore, by signing up to this commitment, which is based on public views, we hope to re-enforce this message as the District Council is already doing the things outlined in the commitment but it is a great way to reassure residents about what they are getting.  Not only do we hope it will help improve residents' satisfaction with how their rubbish and recycling is collected, but we also hope it'll help further boost our 63% recycling rate in the district," says Cllr Simon Jackson, Environment Portfolio Holder

"Tackling waste and recycling is one of the most important commitments we can make as a District Council and residents have told us they want us to do everything we can to protect the environment. The Council's signature on this commitment makes public this pledge on behalf of the people of Stratford District."

The Waste Collection Commitment sets out the principles which should underlie domestic waste and recycling collection services.  By signing up to this voluntary service commitment a local authority is committing to ensuring that the needs of its residents are central to the design and delivery of their waste and recycling collection services.

This Waste Collection Commitment has been developed based on findings of comprehensive market research.

For further information please visit the WRAP website.

THE Ten principles:

1. Explain clearly what services you can expect to receive;
2. Provide regular collections;
3. Provide a reliable collection service;
4. Consider any special requests that individual households may have;
5. Design our services and carry out collections in a way that doesnt produce litter;
6. Collect as many materials for recycling as we can and explain to you what happens to them;
7. Explain clearly what our service rules are and the reasons for them;
8. Tell you in good time if we have to make changes to your services, even temporarily;
9. Respond to complaints we receive about our services; and
10. Tell all our residents about this commitment to collecting waste.