Residents in South Derbyshire are encouraged to continue doing their bit for the environment when new composting regulations come into force.

The PAS 100:2011 standard – developed by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the composting industry – is aiming to further improve the quality of compost for the gardening market.

It says cardboard included in compost recycling collections has the potential to contaminate the end product through inks, dyes, plastics and steel from staples.

As a result, South Derbyshire District Council will not be able to collect cardboard in brown bins from October 17. This change will also affect all other authorities that collect cardboard with compostable garden and food waste.

Instead, households are urged to take cardboard to the nearest recycling centre or schools signed up to the Cash for Trash initiative, which sees them receive money in return for paper or cardboard collected. Locations can be found at www.south-derbys.gov.uk. Residents can put cardboard in the black bin but it will not be recycled.

The Council has been looking at options to further enhance its kerbside collection scheme and expects to introduce a new recycling service to include cardboard and plastic as well as the existing recyclables in the near future.

Cllr Peter Watson, Chairman of Environmental and Development Services, said:

“Our residents have shown they are committed to diverting as much waste from landfill as possible.

“The changes in regulations being imposed at a national level will undoubtedly cause some inconvenience, but we would encourage our households to continue their good work for the environment by taking cardboard to recycling banks and schools.

“We continue to look proactively at viable alternatives to help further increase our recycling rates and help create a cleaner and greener South Derbyshire.”

Leaflets are being delivered to all households across South Derbyshire to inform residents of the changes. Waterproof stickers will also be put on brown bins to act as a reminder.

Items that can be put in the brown bin include food waste, meat and bones, fish, dairy, tea and coffee grounds, fruit and vegetables, weeds, grass, leaves, small branches, pet straw and saw dust.

Further information on the changes is available by contacting the District Council on 01283 595795.