People in Cardiff have been left unimpressed by the council’s plans to change to how rubbish is collected in the city. Those living in the capital who do not have a wheelie bin will be familiar with the red striped bags that have to be used to dispose of general household waste, but this is now set to change.
Cardiff council has said residents will now need to use their own shop-bought black bags for general waste instead. According to the local authority, the decision is based on feedback that red striped bags can be difficult to use.
In a statement, the council said on Wednesday June 22: “You’ve told us that they can be difficult to get hold of, particularly if you live in a shared household or have just moved into a property. We will no longer deliver red striped bags. You will need to buy your own black bags to use.”
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They added: “These must be a standard size bag (around 60 litres). Properties using black wheelie bins will not be affected by this change.” Get the latest news from across Cardiff sent straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletters.
According to the council from July 1 you can put out up to three black bags on your general waste collection date. If you still have red striped bags at your property you can use these but you must then move to black bags when they have run out.
It is understood that the changes will also save £50,000 which will be used to expand recycling services across the city. However, while a few have defended the idea, many more took to social media to label it “a joke” and “embarrassing”
Some believed that the change in rules would lead to an increase in fly-tipping and streets being left covered in litter. “Half of it will still get left on the floor,” said Alun Hughes, while Maria Nadia argued it was a “sure way to encourage fly-tipping”. Lorraine Rogers Hobin added: “Fly tipping it is then”.
Carl Jones agreed, writing: “Who makes these rules? Embarrassing.” Meanwhile, others said they “would be lucky” to fit three black bags in their general waste bin. “Well that’s a joke,” said Christine Williams. “I’ve always bought my own black bags and good luck with limiting to three bags as I live in a flat with a communal bin store which isn’t big enough as it is”.
Others were annoyed at now having to buy their own bags and argued that they should be provided for free by the council. “The council has an obligation to supply the bags,” said one. “If they don’t supply the bags, then just dump the rubbish in the street”. Another asked: “Will these people who get free striped bags that now have to buy their own get a council tax reduction?”
However, in response, some commenters defended the idea, writing: “T is no obligation to supply free general waste bags.” Another added: “Name another council in Wales that supply residents with free general waste bags. I’ll wait”.
Some were simply not botd about the change and claimed that they had long bought their own bags rather than using those supplied by the council. “I always buy my black bags anyway so nothing new,” said Deborah Fish, while Carys Pugh added: “In the Vale, we’ve always had to buy our own black bags as it is limited to two black bags a fortnight.”
“Never heard of red striped bags,” said Nicola Jane. “I’ve always purchased my own black bags anyway!”
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Source: Wales Online
