Oxford flats taking part in trial to improve recycling

ODS, which manages domestic recycling and waste collections on behalf of Oxford City Council, is trialling a new approach to waste management at six blocks of council flats.

Flat sites typically have shared bin stores for recycling, rubbish, and food waste, often resulting in high contamination rates.

The trial, set to run for six months, aims to address these issues by testing alternative methods.

During this time, the council and ODS will explore different strategies to increase recycling rates and reduce contamination.

The blocks of flats taking part in the trial have been chosen because of their recognised concerns around recycling contamination and overflowing waste.

These are Henry Taunt Close, blocks 113-139 at Field Avenue, blocks 1-12 at Hawksmoor, blocks 2-24 at Williamson Way, blocks 69-103 at Mason Road, and Wolseley and Riley House.

At the start of the trial, residents in these blocks were visited by recycling officers and given a letter and leaflet detailing what can and cannot be disposed of in each bin.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, cabinet member for citizen focused services and council companies, which includes ODS, said the council is introducing the trial in an effort to increase recycling rates.

Councillor Nigel Chapman (Image: Oxford Labour) He said: "We can all improve our recycling habits.

"We are committed to increasing recycling rates and reducing costly contamination, which is why we’re trialling these new approaches.

"We will be working closely with residents in the blocks of flats throughout the trial and will be asking for their feedback before making any permanent changes."

ODS and the council will monitor and review feedback from residents and recycling and waste collection crews.

Each approach will be assessed before any decisions are made about permanent changes or expansion of the new methods across the city.

Michelle Bradbury, recycling team leader at ODS, said: "We're excited to launch a new recycling initiative aimed at tackling the unique challenges faced by residents in Oxford who use shared bins.

"Our pilot programme, starting at six flat sites, will trial innovative strategies to reduce fly-tipping, cut down on contamination, and make recycling easier.

"If successful, we would look to expand this approach to other flat sites across the city."

There will be no change for blocks of flats not taking part in the trial, and these residents have been encouraged by the city council to continue to follow their regular recycling and waste advice.