LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Waste collection calendar offers up the information

It is reported that Coun Ken Wyatt agreed and observed, “I think we are missing a trick with that. I look at my bin calendar every week and we could use that opportunity. We don’t want it to be like the Dead Sea Scrolls in length, but we could put some key messages on the bin calendars.”

A bell in my head began to ring, so I took down my A4 blu-tacked RMBC Collection Schedule from the back of my kitchen cupboard door. This opens out into a multi-coloured and double-sided A3 document with pictures. Thousands of copies have been distributed and this document is absolutely packed with useful information.

Guess what? The service for removal of bulky waste items is detailed in it together with costs and the potential for Rothercard discounts. Also to be found there are easy-to-understand information and pictures about what can be put into each bin, how to access the paid-for Garden Waste Service and how and where to dispose of items and materials which can be taken for recycling. A Need Help email link is provided for anyone with additional requirements eg large families or people with medical conditions who need an extra bin. The only thing which I think is missing is the telephone number to book a large item collection. (It appears to be RMBC policy to ignore the fact that not every resident is online and to deny access to essential services to those who are without).

Would it be impertinent of me to suggest that the Improving Places Scrutiny Panel would benefit from a study session or an end-of-term quiz on the Bin Calendar document? Coun Wyatt could then identify to his fellow members which trick they are actually missing. Perhaps it is something to do with unfolding big sheets of thick paper?

Alice Rodgers,

Maltby