ALTERNATE weekly bin collections have boosted recycling rates in Herefordshire by more than five per cent since the scheme was introduced last November.

In a report to Herefordshire Council's general overview and scrutiny committee this week, the waste management team reports a 5.34 per cent increase in recycling – the equivalent to 121 tonnes of recycling per month.

The amount of waste going to landfill has reduced by seven per cent which is the equivalent to 293 tonnes per month. The figures are based on the first six months of the new scheme.

Councillor Harry Bramer, cabinet member contracts and assets, said: "I would like to thank the people of Herefordshire for their patience during the implementation stage of moving to alternate weekly collections. It has been appreciated.

"I am really pleased with the early indication that the new system is meeting its objectives. Not only are we saving money through reduced landfill tax, we are also saving £0.5m a year through reduced collection costs. This is money that will be used to provide much needed services to the most vulnerable in our communities."

The news has been welcomed by former county councillor, John Newman, who had raised concerns that the alternate collections would see rubbish dumping and related vermin infestation when the idea was first considered back in the spring of 2014.

He said he is happy with how the system is working so far and is pleased it has improved recycling rates, adding that feedback has been generally positive.

However, although some counties have several bins for different purposes, such as food waste and paper, Mr Newman said there would be limited room to store these and hopes such a scheme is not introduced in Herefordshire.