Bigger bins given to larger families in Wolverhampton
Large families in homes across Wolverhampton have been given bigger bins so they can put out more rubbish.
More than 370 homes have been given the larger bins, say city council bosses. Among those who get the bigger bins are homes which include seven or more people living there.
Last year the city council gave homes a new, smaller brown wheelie bin for waste and recycling was put into the older, larger black wheelie bin.
But in certain cases the council allows families to have larger bins so they can throw more away.
New figures show that since the new service was launched last year the council has delivered 378 larger brown bins and 26 larger black bins.
The council says it only gives out the bins in special circumstances. The first is if there are seven or more people living in a property. Homeowners need to provide documented proof it they want to make a claim.
The second is where a bigger bin would be given out is if a house is producing lots of non-hazardous medical waste such as excess packaging or bandages.
In those instances householders need to provide a letter from a doctor or another medical professional.
Wolverhampton City Council spokesman Tim Clark said: "One reason more brown bins have been requested could be that people are able to put out excess recycling next to their black recycling bin on their recycling collection date in a clear bag."
The council also wants to introduce communal food bins at up to 14,000 flats and terraced houses in Wolverhampton. Residents would be asked to put food scraps in separate bags away from the rest of their rubbish.
They will then use shared bins which would have sealed entrance holes to prevent smells and deter vermin.
In South Staffordshire, 42,000 new blue bins will be delivered to homes from February 25.
