July 1, 2013 12.17 pm This story is over 135 months old

Almost 13,000 take up £25 Lincoln green bin charge

In effect: The new charges for green waste collections started July 1st, with already a 39% sign up rate in Lincoln.

Nearly 13,000 Lincoln residents have taken up the £25 charge for a green bin, which came into force on July 1.

Previously 33,000 households had their green waste collected for free, meaning that 39% of people have taken up the new charge so far.

Out of 36,820 households who were asked by the City of Lincoln Council if they wanted to opt to the service, 12,867 bins were taken up.

Other residents are being reminded that from today, they will have to opt in to the green bin service if they want to use it.

Cory Environmental, the collectors contracted by the city council, will only collect from bins that have been paid for, and are displaying the proof-of-payment sticker.

However, there will be a period up until July 14 where bins will be collected while residents receive their sticker.

Steve Bird, Assistant Director, Communities and Street Scene for the council, said: “We do understand that people may not have received their sticker yet, or have not signed up as they didn’t realise it was starting so soon or are in the process of signing up.

“So because of this our collectors are going to be lenient for the first fortnight, leaving tags on bins which have been left out but do not have a sticker, reminding people to sign up.”

The charge was approved by the City Council back in April, and follows suit from two other district councils in the county.

In North Kesteven, 53% of residents have opted into the green bin scheme.

The charge was introduced due to funding budget cuts from the government, meaning the council had to make savings.

Those who have a green bin and do not want to sign up are being asked to keep the bin as storage for their green waste to take to the Household Waste Recycling Centre, or use it like a compost bin.

The City Council also approve the idea of sharing a bin with a neighbour to split the cost.

To find out more about the service or sign up, visit the City of Lincoln Council website or call 01522 873255.