Positive Response For Bristol Rubbish Scheme

Tuesday, March 9th 2010 07:00

A meeting between DEFRA and Bristol City Council about a scheme to give Bristol residents cash incentives to reduce the waste they generate has been called 'highly positive'.

They were discussing a proposal for a pilot incentive scheme, that would run across over 2,000 homes in Bishopston, Cotham and Redland.

Council officials say the meeting left them feeling confident that the scheme will be given the go ahead.

Councillor Gary Hopkins said: "We presented the bid for funding for this pilot and the panel of experts seemed very positive. At no time did they outline any area of concern."

He added: "We certainly were given no reason to be other than very positive that our bid will be accepted".

The panel confirmed that at present no politician has been briefed on the scheme but that they would now be making their recommendation to the Secretary of State, Mr Hilary Benn, who will make the final decision.

Bristol City Council could become the first local authority in the country to reward residents who produce less black bin waste.

The council have told us they are expecting a decision in the next couple of weeks.