Plans are in the pipeline to change bin collections and recycling in Cumberland – and there is still time to have your say.
Cumberland Council launched a consultation recently that could result in some changes to the current frequency and method of waste and recycling collections.
It said it wanted to make improvements to kerbside waste and recycling which would aim to make the service fairer and more efficient.
The public consultation continues until Wednesday January 8.
Former Allerdale area
It is proposed to change collections to be the same as Carlisle and Copeland areas.
Refuse collections would be fortnightly and cardboard/paper collections will increase from monthly to fortnightly.
To accommodate the refuse collection proposals, householders will be given the option to request an 180 litre – 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.
Garden waste in the 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).
In the former Copeland area, the current arrangements will continue as normal, and no changes are proposed.
The consultation document is available at 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.
The authority said the proposed changes would:
- Harmonise waste collections throughout Cumberland’s area.
- Enhance service reliability and efficiency.
- Create a positive working environment for staff.
- Support Cumberland Council’s environmental goals and compliance with new government regulations.
