APPROXIMATELY 20,000 wheelie bins have begun to appear across Purbeck as part of the council's new alternate weekly rubbish collection service.

The bins are being delivered over four weeks starting in the north of the district and are for use when the new Recycle for Purbeck collection service starts in October.

Residents who are not already in the kerbside recycling scheme will also shortly be receiving a green recycling box. Delivery of these boxes starts on September 5.

If residents have not received a recycling box by September 23, they should call the Recycle for Purbeck helpline on 01929 557279.

Once the bins and boxes have been delivered they should be removed from the roadside as soon as possible.

The wheelie bins have a capacity of 240 litres, the equivalent to at least to three bin bags and the recycling boxes have a capacity of 55 litres, though there is no limit to the amount of recyclable materials that can be left out with them.

Residents can put additional recyclables out in carrier bags or boxes of a similar size to the green box provided.

The new scheme aims to raise the district's recycling rate which currently stands at 16 per cent, well below the government's target of 30 per cent.

Cllr Paul Johns, deputy environment spokesman, said: "We know this is a big change for residents in Purbeck, but we hope the new collection service will be introduced with the minimum of disruption.

"We are asking residents to accept the challenge to recycle and help ensure that this scheme is a success."

Residents with queries or concerns about the new service can contact the Recycle for Purbeck helpline on 01929 557279 or visit website www.purbeck.gov.uk.

First published: August 31