Bins: bewitched, bedazzled and bewildered

Normally at this time of year the topic of conversation in homes and pubs across Ashford is the weather… whether we are going to have a great summer or if it’s going to be another washout.

But this year is different. Everywhere people are talking absolute rubbish, literally, about this weeks’ launch of Ashford Borough Council’s new waste collection and recycling system.

N & B team members who live in Ashford have, like thousands of others, taken delivery of their shiny new bins (and found somewhere to store them) and have been discussing what rubbish goes in which bin.

So, for example, what exactly is plastic? No, we’re not looking for a chemical or DNA definition just whether the plastic wrapping containing slices of ham, for example, should go in the recycling bin or the general household waste bin? So, is this type of wrapping going to be classed by the bin police as hard plastic (i.e. goes in recycling bin) or soft plastic (goes in household refuse bin)? And empty toothpaste tubes, what do you do with them? Oh dear, oh dear – are they household waste or can they be recycled?

One N & B teamster and his partner spent 10 minutes discussing the fate of their empty toothpaste tube, with differing opinions on which bin it should go in (with the toothpaste tube just sitting there forlornly awaiting its destiny). By the end of the conversation the male of the duo had a very clear idea of exactly where he wanted to shove it! But ultimately they agreed to disagree and he’s now thinking of just posting it to his sister in Sussex so she can deal with the dilemma. He reckons the postage cost is well worth not suffering another sleepless night dreaming about giant toothpaste tubes exploding inside his recycling bin as the binmen issue him with a massive on the spot fine for recycling abuse.

He sees the day quickly looming when each part of town will have its own Binwatch scheme - a little like Neighbourhood Watch where community minded bods will take it upon themselves to become recycling gurus, with the ability to make instant and well-informed decisions on what goes where.

But even they will have problems.

Take cling film for example… oh no please, let’s not even go there!

And, talking of recycling bins, you may recall how a couple of weeks ago N & B mentioned the opportunities available for wheelie bin number sticker manufacturers as thousands of homes across the borough would be looking to identify and protect their individual household waste, food caddy and recycling bins.

We mentioned how they are available in Ashford Poundland, 99p store and Wilkinsons (although stocks may be extremely low at present, we understand).

Well, Howletts Farm in Knockwood Lane, Molash has sent us an email saying they can supply bin numbers.

The email read: “We are cutting vinyl numbers to stick on the front of your bins. For £6.50 we will cut two panels for the large bins and one small panel for the outside caddy, in white, red, yellow, blue or green. The details will include the number and the road/lane – i.e 2 Any Street – to fit into a 300 mm square panel.”

For more information call them on 01233 742714.

The new recycling bins being delivered to properties in North Street, Ashford