SusanGaszczak

Over the last few weeks there have been many hilarious stories in the press in regard to rubbish collection. Councils are desperately struggling to reduce the amount of rubbish they have to collect.

We have had the two finger test, the health and safety letter and many stories of people being fined for having too full a bin. Even the local radio is talking about people stomping on their rubbish late at night before bin day to ensure their lid closes.

Having examined my bin as I put the rubbish out this morning, I had to wonder why so much rubbish is generated. My one black bag looked lonely in the bin. Considering I live in a household of five (six at weekends) it is nothing compared to other households.

Why is my bin so empty? I try not to buy food with packaging. I don't buy ready meals, I try not to buy tins that are shrink wrapped in fours with a discount. I am, however, guilty of buying pre-packaged vegetables and fruit.  I do recycle however I do not compost so I could reduce my rubbish further.

Government however, desperately in need of money, is considering bin taxes. This is the wrong. They should be looking at manufacturers and shops who over package goods.

Jo Swinson pointed this out with Easter eggs earlier this year, but it is not just Easter eggs or seasonal products that are to blame.

If we go back 20 years to my teenage years, my family's shopping was mainly done at the local butchers, greengrocers and bakers. Everything was wrapped in brown paper bags or the minimum amount of plastic bag and was served in the quantity you required.

Compared to present day, everything is wrapped in rigid plastic or double wrapped in quantities that you may not use and end up putting in your bin. It is time for government to actually deal with the source not the tax payer who has to put up with these practises.