A NEW recycling initiative being launched by Welwyn Hatfield Council is introducing fortnightly collections by the back door. That s the view of the borough s Labour leader Margaret Birleson. From October 5, residents are being asked to add un-bagged

A NEW recycling initiative being launched by Welwyn Hatfield Council is introducing fortnightly collections "by the back door".

That's the view of the borough's Labour leader Margaret Birleson.

From October 5, residents are being asked to add un-bagged food and cardboard to their brown bin, currently used for garden waste.

The Hollybush representative has spoken to council bin men - who since the service was privatised work for Serco - and said she shares their concerns.

Speaking exclusively to the WHT she said: "There's been no consultation with staff on how the brown bin scheme is going to operate and how staff will cope with the capacity.

"It's starting in October which means a reduction in garden waste but come next spring they're concerned they wont be able to cope.

"It's our belief this is having a two-weekly collection by the back door, with no consultation with staff or taxpayers.

"The brown bin service will soon replace the refuse collections."

Councillor Birleson added staff are concerned the scheme will lead to job losses as the lines between refuse and recycling blur.

She said she believes in recycling, but added: "We want to keep a weekly service and food waste shouldn't be left lying around for a fortnight."

The red-headed grandmother also queried the recycling credentials of the new scheme.

It has been revealed from October 5, to make the new feasible, Serco staff will dump the combined food, cardboard and green waste at a "tipping point" in at Waterdale near Watford, a 35-mile round trip from the heart of WGC.

Councillor Birleson added: "Everyone believes in recycling, but we don't know how the waste is being recycled and this is simply down to reducing costs.