THE introduction in the Alton area of alternate weekly collections of refuse and recyclable materials is to be preceded by a series of roadshows - scheduled to hit SainsburyÕs on October 8 and 10.

Alton and the surrounding area will constitute phase two of East Hampshire District CouncilÕs alternate weekly collection scheme, already under way in the Bordon and Petersfield part of the district.

The October 28 starting date for phase two is later than the September start date originally envisaged, due to operational setbacks.

According to EHDC environment spokesman Patrick Burridge, the council is now confident the wheels are in motion for a phase two launch. ÒMost residents will by now have received their black wheeled bins. Garden waste sacks will be delivered before the scheme starts. Those who already had recycling wheeled bins and ordered water butts or composters instead will be informed of their delivery date.Ó

EHDC says feedback from phase one of the alternate collections has been encouraging with recycling rates in East Hampshire clearly Òon the upÓ.

Hangers ward councillor Judy Onslow, who has championed the new scheme, is delighted with the new system and has paid tribute to local residents for supporting it.

ÒResidents in the first phase deserve to be congratulated for their efforts which have resulted in a major increase in recycling from just under 24 per cent in June to almost 34 per cent today.

ÒThis is great news for the environment and we can be very optimistic about further increases when the new recycling system is introduced to residents in the northern half of the districtÓ.

According to EHDC records, just under a quarter by weight of all household waste (23.8 per cent) is now recovered via the kerbside collection of recyclables or garden waste and the bottle banks. When this is added to the material recovered at the household waste recycling centres, just over a third (34 per cent) of all household waste in East Hampshire is now being recycled or composted.

Patrick Burridge is delighted with the figures.ÒThey are excellent news and put us on course for exceeding government recycling targets when we extend the scheme to residents in the north of the district from the end of October,Ó said the local councillor.

ÒWith such a major change there may be some initial problems but I hope we have learned enough from phase one to iron out most of the difficulties,Ó he said.

One of the problems already experienced has been that of contamination.

According to waste reduction officer, Sarah Incher, a contaminated load cannot be dumped into landfill sites. ÒGlass and textiles are the most common contaminants and, along with garden waste and domestic waste should never be put into recycling bins.Ó

Ms Incher advises that, in addition to the recycling centres in Alton, Bordon and Petersfield, glass and textiles can be taken to a number of Ôbring sitesÕ around the district. Good condition textiles can also be taken to charity shops for resale.

Garden waste can either be home composted, taken to a local recycling centre or placed into EHDC re-useable garden waste sacks at a cost of £12 per sack/per year.

For any problems, enquiries or further information about the new system contact EHDCÕs waste reduction team on 01730 234288.