Controversial new rubbish system is rolled out throug borough

Cllr Bassam Mahfouz and Council Leader, Julian Bell, join the new Wheelie collection service

Donning their fluorescent yellow overalls the two Councillors responsible for the introduction of Ealing's controversial new Wheelie bin system joined rubbish collectors on their first new style round today.

Council Leader, Julian Bell, along with Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport, environment and leisure, wanted to see for themselves if the new collections were working. The two senior Councillors joined Amey's collection crews this morning in Hanwell.

There has been criticism, a variety of complaints and calls for 'heads to roll' over the introduction of the new bins - described by some as 'monstrosities' that will create a blight in Ealing.

Some residents have received the wrong size bins, others are still waiting to get theirs, but the two councillors are insisting the changes are for the better.

Councillor Mahfouz said: ''This is first morning of an entirely new system and I can already see the difference the new bins are going to make. I’m sure that residents will notice and appreciate the improvement as well. It’s much quicker for crews to collect household waste using the wheelie bins and the change to alternate weekly collection means fewer trucks on the road and less congestion.

''The new service will make it much easier for local people to do the right thing and recycle more and I am especially encouraging people to recycle all of their food waste every week using their small green bins. Disposing of food waste properly will help to keep black wheelies cleaner and it has a huge benefit to the environment.''

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz looking happy alongside new black rubbish bin

Councillor Bell said: “This is one of the biggest changes introduced in the borough in recent years, affecting nearly every household, and I would like to say thank you to all of our residents for their patience and cooperation over the last few months.

''Collection crews are working hard to make sure that the transition to the new system goes as smoothly as possible and residents can do their bit by making sure that they bring the correct bin to the boundary of their property by 7am on their collection day. Advice and help is on hand and local people should feel free to get in touch with the council if they have any questions. We are here to help.”

Council Leader Julian Bell tries out a new job

From this week most households will move to a new alternate weekly collection with black rubbish bins collected one week and blue recycling bins the next. Food waste will continue to be collected every week using the small green bins.

Residents can check their collection day online at www.ealing.gov.uk/bins.

Residents who have been told they are moving to wheelie bins, but haven’t received them yet, should report it by completing the online form at the same address.

Those who aren’t online can call 020 8825 6000.

Residents who are missing wheelie bins are being told that they should continue to use black bags and green boxes and white sacks and green food waste bins until the new bins arrive.

6th June 2016