THE change to three-weekly bin collections has led to an eight per cent increase in recycling across Bury, according to council bosses.

Bury Council has praised residents after the controversial changes introduced at the start of October saw recycling increase from 47 per cent to 55 per cent.

Figures for October show that waste from grey non-recyclable bins has reduced by about 600 tones, compared with the same month last year.

In addition, nearly 400 tonnes of extra recycling has been collected from the green, blue and brown bins in October.

Cllr Tony Isherwood, cabinet member for environment thanked residents for getting on board with the scheme.

He said: "An 8% increase so soon is a fantastic achievement and I want to thank residents across Bury for their understanding and their efforts in helping us reach this recycling rate.

"If this trend continues our residents are well on their way to increasing income from recycling and helping save more than £800,000 a year on treatment and disposal costs.

"As it costs the taxpayer £283 per tonne to collect, treat and dispose of ‘grey bin’ waste, it’s easy to see how important it is for us all to do all we can to put the right stuff in the right bin.”

Bury became the first council in the country to adopt the three-week scheme, which means grey, blue and green bins are collected every three weeks, and brown bins are collected fortnightly.

The scheme resulted in a fierce backlash from residents, politicians and a trades union, who claimed the changes could lead to vermin and flytipping.

Government minister, communities secretary Eric Pickles, also waded into the debate, claiming that the council was punishing residents "like naughty children" for not recycling enough.

But Cllr Isherwood added: "I know that these changes did cause some concern, but they were necessary if we are to recycle more and save money that can help protect other public services.

"The real challenge now is to keep the momentum going and continue to get our recycling rates up.

"Studies show that it’s possible to recycle around 75% and we know that other areas in Greater Manchester already recycle more than 60 per cent, so, with continuing support, we can reach these targets."

  • Residents are being advised to take note of changes to collection dates during the festive period.

Extra household waste can be taken to sites at Every Street in Bury, Cemetery Road in Radcliffe and Lumns Lane in Agecroft, which are open every day except Christmas Day and New Year's Day between 8am and 6pm.

• Monday December 22 - No change

• Tuesday December 23 - Changed to Monday December 22

• Wednesday December 24 – Changed to Tuesday December 23

• Thursday December 25 – Changed to Wednesday December 24

• Friday December 26 – Changed to Saturday December 27

• Monday December 29 – No change

• Tuesday December 30 - No change

• Wednesday December 31 - No change

• Thursday January 1 – Changed to Friday January 2

• Friday January 2 – Changed to Saturday January 3