Waste Changes Come to Epping

12.00.00am GMT Wed 29th Mar 2006

THE first households in Epping are beginning to use their wheelie bins, following the successful introduction of the scheme in Chigwell and Lambourne last year.

Recycling rates shot up. Recycled paper, tin cans and plastic bottles increased by over 11 tonnes and glass recycling doubled in the first month.

"This is good news for the environment" said Epping town and district councillor Jon Whitehouse. "Although it will take a little time to adjust to the new arrangements, less waste going to landfill also means lower bills for local council taxpayers."

Residents living in Centre Drive, Stewards Green Road, Bower Hill, Ivy Chimneys and other parts of Epping who have their waste collected on Tuesdays are moving to wheelie bins first.

The rest of Epping (which gets a Wednesday collection) will follow in the summer.

"Please look out for the leaflets and other information being distributed," said district

councillor Janet Whitehouse. "It is important that people who feel they will be unable to manage a bin, or whose homes aren't suitable for wheelie bins, let the council know.

"Council officers will visit to discuss the options."