With collections of new wheelie bins due to start during the week of Monday 2nd October, SKDC is concerned that the hysteria surrounding the technology in our new bins might result in some residents damaging them while trying to remove the micro-chips.
As has been widely reported, the new wheelie bins do indeed contain micro-chips. This is basically a serial number. When the bin is emptied it is scanned by the collection teams so that the council know the time and date of the collection.
When the bin is emptied, it is weighed by a device on the lorry. If the chip in the bin is removed, the lorry will not be able to empty the bin as the chip activates this process. SKDC will compare the weight of the silver bin with that of the black bin. With this information the council can work out what percentage of the district’s rubbish is being recycled.
The information gathered will also enable SKDC to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the collection process. After analysing the data, it may well be the case that adjustments need to be made to the rounds. The new bin technology will better support decision making.
Dawn Temple, SKDC’s sustainable waste management policy officer
says: “We would like to reassure residents that we are not spying on people or monitoring what they do and don’t throw away. Data collected will help us provide a more effective service. We will also have a better idea of whether or not we are on track to meet strict government targets to reduce waste going into landfill.”
SKDC has doubled the amount of rubbish it recycles to over 26 per cent and it has set itself a target of reaching 50 per cent by 2008. This will be made easier by the introduction of twin bins.
If residents have concerns please telephone SKDC’s twin bin hotline on 01476 406360 or visit www.southkesteven.gov.uk/Recycle/
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