North West Leicestershire District Council says it has asked the government for clarity about household recycling collections - so that decisions on local containers can be made.

NWLDC, which began a review of its waste service in March 2023, has joined other authorities in writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP, to press for an update on the progress of draft legislation that would enable the council to change the way it collects its recycling and household waste. 

Responding to feedback from almost 20,000 people on recycling container options earlier this year, the council says it is looking at ways of simplifying the way it collects recycling from households. 

Councillor Michael Wyatt, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Climate Change at NWLDC, said at the Full Council meeting on November 5: "I have now written twice to the Secretary for the Environment Steve Reed seeking a response to my request for clarity on what waste collection regimes will be acceptable to the new Labour Government in legislation terms. 

"The council is fully committed to delivering on our pledge to review the waste service so that it is easy for the public to use and to improve our recycling performance. The lack of response from the Government is holding up the progress on the waste review and I will continue to lobby the minister for clarity."

The two wheelie-bin option was favoured by 61 per cent of those who took part in the survey

Since the meeting, Cllr Michael Wyatt has said: "We understand this will be frustrating for people who have been patiently waiting for a change to recycling collections. 

"However, we have a responsibility to protect the interests of the council and our residents.

"I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to have their say on the recycling container options. The results of the survey will not be ignored and will be used to help the council make a final decision when the time is right.

"The Chief Executive of the council will be requesting a meeting with the government to try and bring this issue to a conclusion."