ACORN SCHEME - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Acorn Scheme?
The Acorn Scheme was developed from successful recycling trials during 2002. The scheme is a new approach to collecting household recycling and refuse. The aim is to increase recycling and reduce the amount of refuse going to landfill sites.
Why do we need to recycle?
Recycling is a major part of our work towards protecting our environment. We currently offer a regular kerbside recycling collection of cans, plastic bottles, newspapers and magazines, and a network of Community Recycling Points across the district. However, we are always looking for ways to help residents recycle more rubbish. Once biodegradable materials start to decompose inside landfill sites they produce greenhouse gases, which speed up climate change. Collecting green garden waste and card diverts these items away from landfill.
Will the Council be collecting less rubbish?
No. The Council will collect less rubbish for disposal but more for recycling. By sorting your rubbish carefully, you can make sure that less of it goes to landfill sites. We are aiming to collect residual waste every week, but if we don't get significant involvement in the recycling/green waste collection we may need to reconsider the collection method of residual waste.
What material do I put out this week?
The collection calendar explains which type of material will be collected on which day. Your household will either be in Zone A or B for collections. Please see calendar for collection schedule.
What container should I use for which material?
The larger sized wheeled bin (240ltrs) with brown lid is for green garden waste (nothing from the kitchen) and card. The smaller sized wheeled bin (140ltrs) is for refuse and the baskets should be used for your recyclables.
What materials are included in green garden waste and card?
Materials that should be placed in your garden waste bin include grass cuttings, prunings, weeds, leaves and branches (no larger than 150mm in diameter). Only non-corrugated card is acceptable. This includes cereal packets, egg boxes and the insides of toilet rolls.
Can I put Kitchen waste such as vegetable peelings into the green garden waste bin?
Unfortunately not, there is a risk that kitchen waste may contain or may have come into contact with meat products. New rules brought in to protect animal health following the foot and mouth outbreak prevent such material from being turned into compost as there is a risk it could find its way back into the animal food chain.
What happens to my green garden waste and card once it has been collected?
Once collected it is sent to a local firm, Olus Environmental Ltd. The material is put through a 16-week process to turn it into two grades of compost; one for agricultural use the other for domestic use.
Can I buy this compost?
Yes, several garden centres and nurseries throughout the District stock the compost, which retails under the name of Easi-Grow.
Where should I put my wheeled bin and baskets for collection?
Your wheeled bin and baskets should be put out at your existing collection point i.e. where the access to your property meets the highway.
What if I do not fill my green garden waste bin?
You do not need to place your bin out for collection if it is less than half full. However if you expect the bin will be overflowing on the day of your next scheduled collection then please place it out as normal.
What should I do if my refuse does not fit into my wheeled bin?
Refuse not contained within the wheeled bin will not be collected. We will only collect the standard size bin for refuse and no side waste. You should also have two recycling baskets. If your household is struggling to contain your waste in the wheeled bin please request the visit of an officer who will assist you.
Glass and other recyclable material can be taken to any of the Community Recycling Points. Corrugated cardboard, DIY waste or large household items can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites. There is also a special collection service for other bulky items. Details of this service and costs can be obtained by phoning 01403 733144.
Ideally we all need to minimise our waste.
What will happen to the items I recycle?
Plastic bottles, cans, newspapers and magazines all get sent to recycling centres. Recycled material is manufactured into re-usable items such as garden furniture or new versions of the same thing.
The green garden waste and card is taken to a local site for reprocessing into compost.
What should I do if my wheelie bin is too heavy?
Householders who are disabled or infirm may have difficulty moving their wheeled bin to the collection point. If this is the case, and you are having problems, please contact us for an officer to visit to assess if an assisted collection is necessary.
Who should I talk to if I have any more questions about the Acorn Scheme?
Further details about the Acorn Scheme are available via e-mail HopOast.Depot@horsham.gov.uk. For any further questions which you wish to have answered you can also contact our Acorn Monitoring Team on 01403 215594.