More than 2,000 bins have now been delivered across Mid Devon as the start of the Bin It 123 collection scheme draws nearer.

As we have shared previously from October 2022 black sack/non-recyclable waste will be collected once every three weeks in the new, black wheelie bins being provided to all households.

This means the council is moving to a three weekly scheme with food waste collected each week, recycling and chargeable garden waste every two weeks and non-recyclable waste every three weeks.

With the number of wheelie bins being used across the district now growing we felt it was a good time to answer questions our residents have been asking.

Q. What does the Council expect to achieve from 3 weekly waste collections?

We are expecting to see a reduction in non-recyclable waste collected, an increase in the amount of recycling collected, an increase in the amount of food waste collected and a reduction in our CO2 emissions.

Q. Are changes to other waste and recycling collections being considered?

No changes are being considered to other waste or recycling collection frequencies at this time.

Q. Do I have to have a wheeled bin?

All households will be issued a 180L wheelie bin but if you have no outside space or have steps leading to the property reusable seagull sacks are available. We will also issue seagull sacks to those who have to take their waste to a collection point, for example at the end of lanes in rural areas. If you would like to enquire about reusable seagull sacks please email bin-it123@middevon.gov.uk or phone 01884 255 255.

Q. I previously bought a wheeled bin from MDDC, can I use that?

All households will be required to use the 180L wheelie bin provided for the new service, however if you have previously bought a 180L wheeled bin from MDDC, you can use that bin instead of receiving a new bin. We will then replace your bin when it is no longer serviceable. Please notify us if you don’t require a new wheeled bin to be delivered.

We can collect bins that are not MDDC bins, if requested, to be recycled.

Q. Can I use my own wheelie bin?

We will only collect waste that is contained within the wheeled bin or seagull sacks supplied by MDDC. We will not be emptying privately owned wheeled bins, unless they have been purchased from MDDC in the past. The reason for this is that we source bins that are suitable and safe to lift on our refuse collection vehicles from approved suppliers. Bins purchased from other outlets may not be suitable for our vehicle bin lifts and could cause a health & safety risk to our staff and the public.

Q. I no longer require my wheelie bin as I have been given a new wheeled bin what should I do with my old one?

If you would like to recycle your old wheeled bin please contact us via email, bin-it123@middevon.gov.uk or phone, 01884 255 255.

Q. Are the seagull sacks reusable?

Yes, they are a highly durable extra thick woven polypropylene bags with a Velcro lid and weighted base.

Q. What will I do with nappies and incontinence pads if my non-recyclable waste is collected every three weeks?

If you double wrap the products before placing in your non-recyclable waste, this will reduce the smell dramatically. An alternative is to use real nappies which can be reused over and over again. To find out more please refer to www.recycledevon.org/nappies.

Q. I am struggling to fit all my non-recyclable waste within the 180L wheeled bin provided, what should I do?

If you are struggling to fit all of your non-recyclable waste within the 180L wheeled bin provided you can contact us via email, bin-it123@middevon.gov.uk or phone, 01884 255 255.

Q. How will my Council Tax be affected?

Three weekly waste collection requires significant upfront capital investment. If future operational savings were made these monies could be reinvested into the service in order to ensure we provide:

• A continually updated/ improved service;
• The necessary capacity to cope with our growing housing numbers;
• The move towards increased recycling targets (mandated by Central Government); and,
• Deliver on our carbon reduction pledge.

With regard to council tax, about 20% of Mid Devon's budget is spent running the waste collection service. Therefore, the average household is charged an estimated £54 per year to have their waste and recycling collected.

Q. Will I receive a waste and recycling calendar through the post every year?

Calendars are being posted this year due to a change in the collection frequency of non-recyclable waste. In future years your waste and recycling calendar will be online only with large print available on request.

Further information and FAQs about the new service are available on our website at www.middevon.gov.uk/binit123. If you have a question you want answered about Bin-It 123 please contact us via email at bin-it123@middevon.gov.uk or give us a call on 01884 255 255.

Remember you can also look up your collection date online at www.middevon.gov.uk/collectiondaylookup.