Rhyl mayor calls for hi-tech recycling litter bins

Aug 6 2008 by David Rutland, Rhyl Visitor

RHYL could play a valuable part in the environmental revolution by replacing its ageing collection of litter bins with hi-tech recycling models.

So says Mayor of Rhyl, Jeanette Chamberlain Jones, who is fed up with the poor state of rubbish repositories and believes the town’s residents would be willing to try out the new technology.

At a Denbighshire County Council meeting last Tuesday, to highlight how well the county has done over the last 12 months, Cllr Chamberlain Jones outlined her plans.

“It’s good we’re getting so many awards,” she said. “But I wonder why we can’t be leaders in the field with our public litter bins, which seem very weathered.”

In addition to the segmented bins, highlighted by Cllr Chamberlain Jones, several cities including Berlin have talking solar-powered bins.

Litter bins made entirely from recycled materials are popular on the continent, as are micro litter bins designed to help eradicate chewed gum and discarded cigarette butts.

“I’ve just come back from Madeira and they even have these environmental bins there,” said Cllr Chamberlain Jones.

“I think it’s important that we keep our streets clean and tidy.”

Rhyl residents quizzed by the Visitor had mixed reactions to the mayor’s plans.

While many were enthusiastic over the scheme, several expressed concerns that the bins would be vandalised and abused.

“I just can’t see people taking the time to sort through all the rubbish from their handbags in the middle of the street,” said one resident.

“Besides which there’s a good chance our local itinerant population will urinate in the bins or criminal elements will set fire to them.”

A Denbighshire spokesman said that there are currently no plans to upgrade Rhyl’s stock of bins.

david.rutland

Write to Visitor Letters, 84 High Street, Rhyl, LL18 1UB. Alternatively, e-mail david.rutland@northwalesnews.co.uk