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You may be aware that a pilot kerbside recycling scheme will begin in Forest Row sometime in 2007.
If you’re anything like me, you may have been wondering why it has taken so long to get this going in Forest Row. It seems there are two reasons.
The first is that Wealden exceeded its target (set by central government) for recycling a year ahead of schedule. Added to this is the reality of the Council budget and the fact that collection in rural areas is not as cost-effective as it is in urban areas, where more can be collected over a shorter distance. This meant that there wasn’t the political will or motivation to institute kerbside recycling in rural areas, and our money was used elsewhere. However, the Household Waste and Recycling Bill of 2003 obliges all local authorities to collect at least 2 recyclable materials from every household by 2010. Hence our new collection.
This is what we know so far:
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The scheme is scheduled to begin at the beginning of May (TBC) subject to logistical matters like coping with the extra tonnage at the receiving recycling site in Uckfield and making sure every household can have the new wheelie bin.
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The scheme is piloting a new system, which will be better for the environment and cost less. It involves using one lorry, which will be divided into two parts. We will all have 2 wheelie bins, with compartments or baskets inside for the different things that will be collected. This means on one week, we would have our refuse and one recyclable collected (e.g. paper), and the following week, green waste mixed with cardboard will be collected with another recyclable (e.g. plastic).
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For the moment, glass will not be collected, and we’re unsure whether cans will be collected at the start of the pilot. It will all be confirmed in the spring.
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We will still need to take our glass to ‘bring banks’ at the Community Centre and Household Waste Recycling Site (‘the tip’). By keeping glass separate from other materials it ensures the quality of materials collected and the resultant value is maximised. However the council is looking at ways to make it easier and more environmentally friendly for us to recycle our glass with potentially more sites being provided.
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Part of the scheme will also include heavily subsidised or possibly free-of-charge home composters for those on the pilot.
This system is an improvement on the CROWN system provided elsewhere in the District, as it means having one lorry on the road, instead of two (one for refuse and one for recyclables). Keeping the recyclables in wheelie bins will be much neater, and will avoid them being blown around on the pavements and streets.
Further details of the scheme will be sent to all householders, followed by a series of public meetings and exhibitions to explain how the scheme works. More detailed information and new recycling containers will be issued in advance of the start of the scheme.
The system will be relying on the participation of the whole village community. You can address any queries or concerns to the Parish Council or Wealden District directly. You can contact Wealden on 01892 602626 or by emailing
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Wealden will be looking to identify residents keen to help with the roll-out within the village. If you want to participate please contact Alan Potter (the Parish Plan Recycling champion) on 01342 826901 or email
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