Changes to the recycling system introduced this year are being imposed by contractors Biffa. The original idea was to “stream” all materials for recycling on site, with separate bins for cardboard, paper, cans and plastic. But the contractors are now going to take all the “household” recyclables  together, for streaming off-site.

This means that all the wheelie bins currently labelled cardboard, plastics, food and drink cans and paper will be replaced by bins labelled “Dry mixed recycling.”

This is very much in line with what most people are used to doing with their recyclables at home, and should be easier from everyone’s point of view.

It will result in more useful bin capacity, for one thing. Where for example cardboard bins have tended to be overflowing, while plastics bins have been relatively empty, even after a busy weekend, now there should be plenty of room for everything.

It should help berth-holders, too, because they will only need a single container for recyclables on board.

Glass will still be collected separately, and the existing arrangements for recycling toxic materials like oils, batteries, filters, paint cans and brushes etc will continue.