Hambleton District Council Enhances Fleet To Increase Recycling

2016-04-12 00:00:00

Hambleton District Council has launched a new recycling service in a bid to significantly increase the range of materials being collected for recycling - and decrease the amount of waste sent to landfill.

The new service sees the range of items picked up at the kerbside increased through a new co-mingled service using a wheelie bin and a box.  And it is collected using a new fleet of Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs).

In June 2015 the authority awarded a new ten year contract (with an option to extend for an additional ten years) with long-standing vehicle partner, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS), to supply and maintain its entire fleet for waste collection, recycling and street cleansing services. The new vehicles are already in service across North Yorkshire including Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk, Stokesley and Easingwold. Additional vehicles, including more RCVs, sweepers, vans and a mobile crane, will be delivered as part of a planned replacement programme.

“This new service is already seeing an increase in the amount of recycling we are collecting – we have been staggered by the amount left at the kerbside and by the quality,” said Leader of the Council, Councillor Mark Robson. 

“Everyone has embraced the changes - and the hope that these improvements will see household recycling and composting rates hit 53% by 2020 look to already be on target.”

Northampton-based SFS has over 20 years experience in delivering successful contract hire, fleet and workshop management solutions to the public and private sector.

Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said: “We have been working with Hambleton District Council for nearly 10 years and we are delighted to have won this contract.  We go to great lengths to understand every aspect of our customers’ operations to ensure their service runs smoothly and efficiently, and to minimise any disruptions or vehicle downtime. The vehicles were delivered on time for the service roll-out and are performing well.”

Householders across Hambleton have been issued with a black wheelie bin with a blue lid where they can put mixed recyclables - including paper, cardboard, steel and aluminium cans, plastic food and drink bottles, plastic rigid containers (such as food pots, tubs and trays), waxed cartons, foil and aluminium food trays.  Glass is collected separately in a blue box.

For more information about Specialist Fleet Services tel: 01604 234601, email [email protected] or visit www.sfs.co.uk

ENDS.