The future of recycling in West Berkshire could be set to change - are reusable sacks are out and wheelie bins in?

Recycling in West Berkshire could be set to change – with the reusable sacks being replaced with a wheelie bin just one option being looked at.

The council could reimagine how the bins are organised and says it will follow up on a level of dissatisfaction with the sacks and boxes.

The majority of residents in the district have their household recycling collected from two 55L recycling boxes and one 90L reusable green sack.

Residents are asked to separate their recycling and place glass in one box, paper and cardboard in the second box and plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays with metal food and drink cans and aerosols in the reusable green sack.

Large card can also be presented for collection so long as it is folded flat no higher or wider than a normal wheelie bin.

During workshops about the new council waste strategy, concerns were raised that problems can arise in the event that residents leave their recycling boxes and reusable sacks outside for collection for extended periods of time, or on windy days when recycling can be blown out of the boxes.

They also said the reusable sacks can blow away because they are quite lightweight and their design means that they are easily caught by the wind.

Following the consultation the council has identified a number of possible options for the future, one of which is replacing the reusable sacks with a wheeled bin.

It could also look into supplying residents with Troliboc containers.

The Troliboc system comprises three boxes that stack on top of each other on a trolley.

The system therefore has a small footprint (similar to a wheeled bin) and can help keep waste contained on windy days and is easier for residents to present for collection because it can be wheeled out to the street on collection day.

There are flaps in the middle and lower boxes so residents can post material into them without needing to unstack the boxes.

The council said it will also continue to work with local charitable organisations and explore how it can increase the amount of bulky items like furniture that are reused or recycled.

It currently works with The Community Furniture Project, which is a local charity that resells donated items of furniture and other household goods.

The council said it will continue to communicate and advertise the collection point the Newtown Road household waste recycling centre (HWRC) and the other services that allow residents to have their unwanted bulky items, such as furniture and electrical goods, collected.

“We will explore options to expand our reuse provision with an ambition to provide a donation point and/or reuse shop at our Padworth Lane site,” the council added.