Sensors Detect Incorrect Recycling

Bath and North East Somerset Council introduces compulsory recycling using a technology that identifies residents not recycling properly.

20:38 19 March 2020

Starting September, Bath and North East Somerset Council will use a new technology designed to identify residents who are not recycling properly. Local authorities said that the measure, which campaigners described as “draconian”,  is one of the last remaining solutions as gentle reminders seemed to be not working for residents. 

 

Project manager Pam Jones  said: “It’s difficult to make further improvements. Residents are doing a fantastic job - but around 20 per cent of people do nothing. 

 

“We’ve done an enormous amount of communication. We’re pushed to come up with things that will make a difference. 

 

“Our current recycling rate is 58 per cent, and we estimate that [compulsory recycling] would give us another three per cent. That’s an enormous difference.

 

Cllr Lisa O’Brien said: “Some people are too lazy to recycle. This new technology is good - we’re watching you.” 

 

Meanwhile, Cllr David Wood, the cabinet member for waste, has suggested an alternative solution. He said: “I don’t agree that we need to target the 18 per cent who don’t recycle. The easier option is to identify the people who do recycle but don’t recycle food waste. That’s the big thing we can do in the short term.”