Councils in Lichfield and Tamworth are joining forces to make their waste and recycling services more efficient. The new combined service will see Lichfield district and Tamworth borough councils providing collection services to households across Burntwood, Lichfield, Tamworth and surrounding areas from summer next year. The combined team will be based at Lichfield District Council’s recycling depot in Burntwood. Councillor Louise Flowith, cabinet member for operational services at Lichfield District Council said: “By working together we’ll cut carbon emissions by reducing the amount of miles our trucks travel. “As a bigger customer we’ll also be able to get better value from suppliers, and test out new recycling methods more quickly. “And, we’ll be better placed to respond to emergencies such as bad weather and pandemic sickness. “Above all, we’re confident the partnership will deliver better value for money and help to boost the amount of waste we recycle.” Councillor John Garner, portfolio holder for public health and wellbeing at Tamworth borough council added: “To make sure our waste and recycling services work well, the teams at Lichfield and Tamworth regularly speak to local residents through feedback, questionnaires and face-to-face meetings. “In designing the shared service, we’ve taken on board what people have told us, and shaped our proposals to fit their needs. “A good example of this is making the change from recycling boxes to a single recycling bin. What’s more, by joining forces we’ll be able to work more closely with local residents which will help to make the new service even better. “We’ll also be able to promote simple techniques that will make a big difference to the amount of waste we all produce, and above all cut the amount of waste we send to landfill.” | 
