Council leaders have given the green light to moves to scrap traditional weekly refuse collections and introduce more flexible local systems. Research for the Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs into the use of alternate weekly collections for waste and recyclables has shown there are no health or hygiene risks, if waste is properly wrapped and stored. The report, undertaken by Enviros Consulting and Cranfield University, concludes that common sense measures such as keeping waste tightly wrapped and bin lids closed help combat potential increases in odour, insects or other nuisances. Paul Bettison, chairman of the Local Government Association's environment board, said: ‘Councils are working hard to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. ‘Authorities introducing alternate bin collections make the decision based on what will work best in their local circumstances. As long as people use their bins properly, the system is efficient and hygienic.' l London Councils has rejected a call by London mayor Ken Livingstone for a compulsory scheme to force boroughs to share data on street cleansing and litter collection. Environment chairman, Cllr Daniel Moylan, said: ‘We refuse to view council tax payers as the mayor's piggy bank for every new duty he proposes.'
