Brits happy with their bin collections, survey finds

Britons are generally satisfied with their wheelie bin collection services regardless of often their rubbish is collected, according to new research out today (December 1).


An independent survey Attitudes to waste and recycling in Great Britain 2011 by Icaro Consulting and Sauce Consultancy found that 78% of the public were happy with how often their bins were emptied, weekly or otherwise.

In addition, the research found that 79% of people with food waste collections had no complaints over the service they received. Satisfaction levels were notably higher however with respondents who received weekly food waste collections.

The survey did flag up some areas for improvement – mainly that local authorities need to work harder to improve services for those living in flats, offer a higher level of customer service and provide more information to residents about what happens to their recycling.

In addition, over a third of those interviewed were unsure of, or did not support the idea of, rewarding people for recycling. By contrast, 40% agreed with charging people according to how much rubbish they produce.

Commenting on the findings, Sauce Consultancy’s managing director John Twitchen said: “Regular food waste collections, with caddy liners supplied, is probably the best use for Eric Pickles’ £250,000,000 fund to improve waste collections. It’s the mess that offends, not the frequency.”

Maxine Perella

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