'˜If it ain't broke don't fix it': Citizen readers react to row over pink sacks

Yesterday, Labour councillors revealed that two areas in Beanhill will trial the new reusable bags for recycling, which hold up to 15kg and have a velcro lid.

The idea faced severe criticism from the public, with many questioning why wheelie bins have not been considered for city households.

Josephine Catanach said: “I’ve always been proud of Milton Keynes hitting recycling targets way ahead of most of the rest of the country.

“That happened because what we have at the moment works.

“Changing it to this small reusable bag will dissuade people from recycling as much.

“As a family of two adults we produce half a black bag of rubbish a week and 2-3 pink sacks of recycling. How would a larger family cope with one of these bags?”

Other Citizen readers who commented on our Facebook page slammed the idea as “a load of rubbish” and raised concerns over hygiene, size and costing.

Councillor David Hopkins, Conservative spokesman for recycling, said experience in other areas across the country has shown a drop in recycling rates, bags being left out in the streets, and councils forking out to replace missing bags which have blown away.

He said: “The old adage - If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

“The current system has been in place for a number of years and is working well for the residents.

“This is a false economy – it will cost MK Council more in the long run in replacement hessian bags.

“It’s time for the council to recycle this idea.”

However, Labour councillors say the new system will put an end to split bags that need replaces and will save £500,000 a year.

If given the go ahead at council next month, bags will be rolled out in summer 2016.