Kerbside glass recycling collection scheme could be launched in Rushcliffe

A kerbside glass collection recycling service could soon launch across Rushcliffe, it has been announced.

A motion at Rushcliffe Borough Council’s full council meeting on July 13 discussed whether a scheme could be introduced to increase recycling rates across the borough.

Rushcliffe Borough Council and Bassetlaw District Council are the only two authorities in Nottinghamshire that do not collect glass from residents’ homes and instead use bottle banks.

Authorities in Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield and Nottingham city all provide some sort of kerbside glass recycling service for residents.

Cllr Keir Chewings (Rush Ind), who represents the Cotgrave ward, said such a scheme is “integral to the welfare of our borough and the future of our environment”.

He added: “Our current system which merges glass waste and general household refuse is not just a wasteful practice, it is also an unfulfilled opportunity.

“It is time for real action, the clock is ticking and the opportunity to correct our course is slipping away. We must seize the moment and make a difference before it is too late.”

Earlier this year, Newark and Sherwood District Council became the latest authority in the county to approve a kerbside glass recycling scheme, which is set to be introduced by the end of 2023.

The Government has previously announced changes to bring consistency to recycling collections across England under its Environmental Improvement Plan, which could include kerbside glass, but this has been repeatedly delayed.

Cllr Rob Inglis (Con), who represents Keyworth and the Wolds, said a kerbside service would cause “a number of significant negative impacts”.

He added: “In addition to the significant extra cost of a kerbside service, including both vehicles and staffing, the council would not receive any additional Government funding, would lose all the income that it currently receives from the bring site service and therefore would result in significant and additional costs to the Rushcliffe council taxpayer.”

Cllr Chewings raised that a previous cabinet meeting discussed the issue in December 2021, but was awaiting further Government guidance.

“How long do we have to wait?,” Cllr Chewings said. “We have waited already for years. The question is, does this council have the vision and want to protect the environment or is it going to continue to kick the can down the road?”

In response, Cllr Stuart Ellis (Con), who also represents Cotgrave ward, labelled the motion a “retrogressive step” and claimed much more kerbside glass goes into landfill than the scheme that currently operates in Rushcliffe.

The council said residents already recycle 2,500 tonnes of glass each year, contributing to Rushcliffe having the best recycling rate in Nottinghamshire.

Several councillors raised their concerns over the cost of introducing a kerbside glass collection scheme.

A motion to evaluate the practicality of kerbside glass collection in Rushcliffe through a feasibility study was approved by councillors at the meeting.

Results of the study will be presented to the cabinet and full council by December this year, for a decision to be made in time for the 2024/25 budget.