A NEW £2m partnership to improve recycling across Barrow is to be officially signed, with new burgundy bins due to be rolled out.

From April 1, FCC Environment will work with Barrow Borough Council to deliver an 'efficient and refreshing' service.

It is a change from the bags currently provided at many homes across the region.

Councillor David Pidduck, leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: "We hope it will be a fruitful collaboration.

"I am a great believer in simplifying things for the public and this will do just that. We are looking forward to working with FCC Environment.

"We are building with excellent staff from the previous contract and this is the start of a new era."

The service will consist of a black waste bin, a new burgundy recycling bin, and a box for glass.

The burgundy bin, which lists the recyclables it collects on the lid, will include aerosols, cans, paper, cardboard and plastic.

It will also take foil and tetra packs for the first time.

Collections will be on the same day as the black bin, but on a fortnightly basis, rather than every week.

There will also be a Garden Waste Club, where residents can subscribe to have their garden waste collected at a cost of £35 per year.

Graham Harrison, general manager of FCC in Cumbria, said: “We've got the same workforce coming for us as has been carrying out the operation so far."

The lorries will collect glass and recyclables together, although not in the same box.

Andrew Baxter, FCC area manager for the north, said: “We hear all the time 'you're just chucking it all in together', but there's a reason. It all gets collected in the same lorry, but the glass and other recyclables go in separate sections. That's why we're keeping the box separate to the bin."

Mr Harrison acknowledges there may be some disruption to the collection as the new rota comes into force.

To provide residents with more information of how the service will affect them ahead of the new rota, a pop-up recycling shop has been set up.

The shop, on Duke Street, Barrow, will allow people the chance to find out more about the service.

COLLECTION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What does the burgundy bin collect?

The new recycling bins will collect aerosols, aluminium and steel cans, foil, paper, cardboard, plastic and tetra packs. There will also be a separate box for glass.

When will they be collected?

Collection days will be between Tuesdays and Fridays, with Monday's reserved for garden waste. Black bins will be weekly, with recyclables fortnightly.

What can I do with my old bins?

There will be a bin amnesty through April. To have your old bins removed free of charge call 01229 317 081.

What can I do with my bulky waste?

Bulky waste can be removed by calling 01229 876 543. They collect large appliances, TVs and monitors, fridges and freezers and furniture.

How much will a garden waste subscription cost?

£35 per year.

When will the pop-up shop close?

The shop, at 24 Duke Street, will be open until the end of April.