Blue recycling bin collections in Sunderland, South Tyneside, and Gateshead have been dubbed "not sustainable in the longer term" - however, officials say there are currently no plans to reduce collections.
A report into blue bin collections by the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership (STWWMP) has revealed paper recycling is continuing to decline. The report states paper tonnage for recycling is now "minimal" and means kerbside collection is not "operating as effectively as it should be".
Data collected by the local authorities between 2022 and 2023, shows a consistent drop in paper collected by recycling services.
- Gateshead: 1013 tonnes - 16.8% decrease
- South Tyneside - 390 tonnes - 34.7% decrease
- Sunderland 716 tonnes - 22.3% decrease
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Paper tonnage in recycling bins has dropped in the South of Tyne area since 2014. The drop in paper recycling has been attributed to increasing reliance on digital communication and the decline in printed media.
The STWWMP's report continued: "With this in mind, and also in preparing for the next materials recycling facilities contract procurement from 2025, the partnership will need to consider the alternative collection models that are available".
However, despite the drop in paper recycling and its impact on the effectiveness of blue bin collections, the STWWMP has stated it does not have plans to reduce the frequency of recycling bin collections.
Councillor Linda Green, chair of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership, said: “While a reduction in the volume of kerbside paper collection is prompting the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership to review its current processes in order to maximise efficiencies within the service, there are no plans to change the existing recycling collection frequency.”
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