City of York Council proposes replacing recycling boxes with wheeled bins

The City of York Council has proposed replacing traditional recycling boxes with wheeled bins for approximately 63,000 households. The initiative, which is expected to cost an estimated £2.8 million, aims to improve recycling efficiency, reduce litter, and enhance safety for both residents and collection staff.

Under the proposed scheme, households would receive two 180-litre bins: one for paper and card, and another for glass, tins, and plastic. Collections would follow a four-week alternating cycle where general waste is collected every two weeks, while the two types of recycling are collected once every four weeks. If approved, the rollout is expected to take nine to 12 months.

The proposal follows a public consultation where over 63% of participants indicated that wheeled bins would make recycling easier. Council officials noted that the change could help reduce workplace injuries, citing over 1,300 lost working days annually due to muscle and joint injuries in the waste service. Additionally, the council aims to save £520,000 from waste collection services over the next two years. While most homes would receive standard bins, the council will consider larger 240L bins or smaller 140L bins for specific needs, and will look to address approximately 10,000 homes with limited storage space in future phases.