Have you been following the story of the new little and often bins? here is a letter from Richard Gramper to the council regarding his experiences.  (tell us yours)

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From: Richard Gamper
To: helen.loughnane@brighton-hove; EBRA EBRA
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 3:09 PM
Subject: RE: Communal Bins Norfolk Square and Waterloo Street


Helen, I have been forwarded copies all the emails concerning the bins which up and until today I had not used.
Reading the emails I had assumed that people were making a bit of a fuss out of nothing. However having used one today I see what they are complaining about.The design of the bins with lids can only be described as ludicrous.Your "mantra" of little and often would mean that in the case of a great many residents they would have to use the bin every time they had a handfull of rubbish to throw out which of course is ridiculous to expect them to do.I realise that you have offered to assess peoples ability to use the bins and if appropriate offer them a front door collection.I would like to know how you propose to do that and how the assessment would be made and by whom. Would you please let me have an answer.I think you might find that so many residents fall into the category of being eligible for a front door collection that you might as well forget the bins.

I am over six foot tall and found opening the bin lid with one hand and having to hold it open at the same time as throwing the rubbish in as much as I could do. The first bin I attempted to use the catch on the lid had jammed and I couldnt even open it.

What about hygiene, has anyone considered that? We are all being told to take extreme care about that issue. No doubt many users hands will be filthy for various reasons and leave filth and germs all over the bin handle. Even if you go straight home and wash your hands immediately, you can not avoid first having to put your hands in your pocket or bag to get out your front door key, open the door etc before you can wash your hands.           

If the council want to make the introduction of bins a success, then instead of trying to defend what is clearly a problem someone needs to design a bin that can be easily and hygienically used by everyone.

Richard Gamper.