Plans are being put forward to change the way waste and recycling is collected in Cumberland.
The proposed changes – that could result in some changes to the current frequency and method of collection – aim to harmonise waste collection, make it fairer, improve service reliability and create a positive environment for staff.
Cumberland Council is inviting people to have their say on the proposed changes and share their thoughts in a public consultation that starts today and will run until Wednesday January 8 2025.
Residents are invited to share their views on the following:
Former Allerdale area
Plans are being proposed to change collections in the Allerdale area to be the same as Carlisle and Copeland areas.
Refuse collections would be fortnightly and cardboard/paper collections would increase from monthly to fortnightly.
To accommodate the refuse collection proposals, householders would be given the option to request a larger, 180 litre bin. Currently, most residents have a 120 litre bin.
It is proposed to start the new arrangements for refuse in April 2025 and recycling in September 2025.
Former Carlisle area
Carlisle households currently have a mix of boxes and bags for their recycling collections. It is proposed to provide wheeled bins to make it consistent with other areas within Cumberland.
Paper and cardboard will be recycled in one bin while glass, cans and plastics in another. The frequency of these refuse and recycling collections will not change.
It is proposed to provide wheeled bins from May 2026.
Former Allerdale and Carlisle areas
It is proposed to collect and dispose of garden waste from one bin per property. There will be a yearly charge of £40 per additional bin that residents request to be collected.
This is consistent with the approach in the former Copeland area.
It is proposed to make this change in March 2025. Collections will be fortnightly between March and November each year. Carlisle is currently all year but with a reduced service December – February.
Former Copeland areas
In the former Copeland area, the current arrangements will continue as normal, and no changes are proposed.
Cumberland Council said the proposed changes would also align with its environmental goals, sustainability, fairness and future growth while also falling in compliance with new government regulations.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: “The former Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland areas of Cumberland currently have different kerbside collection services – including how often it is collected and how it is collected.
“We are proposing some changes that are designed to provide a reliable and efficient waste collection services while ensuring fair and consistent access for all households.”
The consultation document is able to be completed online. You can access it here: www.cumberland.gov.uk/have-your-say
Paper copies are available at libraries across the Cumberland area, as well as at Allerdale House in Workington, Cumbria House, and the Civic Centre in Carlisle or the Market Hall in Whitehaven.
