Environment & Roads

Latest News
PlasticRecycling Three Rivers District Council now collects almost all types of plastics. They are also able to accept food and drinks cartons (commonly called Tetra Paks) in the box with the plastics and cans. It's not possible to list every type of plastic that the Council can take, however the only type of plastic they really cannot take is that which has come into contact with raw meat and clingfilm. The plastics the Council are able to accept include yoghurt pots, plastic carrier bags, ice cream containers, margarine/butter tubs, plastic lids and bottle tops, food and drinks cartons, food and microwave meal trays, shrink wrap (e.g. magazine wrappings but not cling film), plastic storage containers, flower pots, all plastic bottles. Items still need rinsing and squashing, so you can get more in your boxes. Click here for TRDC information leaflet.

Management of Trees and Footpaths
The Committee is working alongside Herts Highways to help alleviate many issues affecting the area, namely overhanging/dangerous trees, footpath management, and grass verges. We have identified many council owned trees which need to be investigated due to being either the wrong type of tree for the road, or leaning trees and trees that overhang and restrict mobility along footpaths and roads. A number of resident owned trees were also identified as needing to be managed and the council will be writing to these residents. To view the list of all the action points which need to be or are being addressed by Herts Highways please click here.

Refuse and Recycling
Each household is provided with the following:
  • Green bin – This is for domestic refuse which cannot be recycled or composted. This is collected on a weekly basis.
  • Brown bin – This is for garden waste, cardboard and food waste. This is collected on a fortnightly basis.
  • 3 Recycling Boxes – 1 box for newspapers, magazines, directories and junk mail; 1 box for glass bottles and jars; 1 box for plastic bottles, aerosols and cans. These are collected on a fortnightly basis.
  • Kichen Caddy - to help separate food waste, either for home composting or for placing into the brown bin. The caddy should not be put out for collection but the contents should be emptied into the brown bin. All food waste can be placed in the brown bin (from vegetable peelings to raw and cooked meat including bones). To see the leaflet detailing how to use the kitchen caddy click here.
For more information see Recycling Guide
Select here to check when your refuse and recycling is collected.

Pest Control
Three Rivers District Council offers a pest control service to residents for the treatment of rats, mice, insects, wasps, hornets, bees etc. Charges may apply for the treatment of certain pests. Please select here for up to date information.
 
Street Care
The responsibility for certain aspects of street care lies with Herts County Council as well as TRDC.
  • Roads and Pavements - the maintenance of roads and pavements is the responsibility of Herts County Council. To report potholes in roads and other road and pavement faults select Highway Fault Reporting or telephone 01923 471320.
  • Street Cleaning - TRDC is responsible for the sweeping of public roads and for the removal of litter. See street cleaning schedule below for information on when this work is carried out in your road. Please be aware that it is an offence to drop litter and those caught doing so could be fined £75.
  • Grass Verges and Grass Cutting - the maintenance of grass verges and grass cutting is the responsibility of Herts County Council. Generally the cutting of grass verges commences in March and continues through to October. For more information on grass cutting select here.
  • Trees - TRDC is responsible for the management of trees within their ownership within urban and rural environments. Residents are responsible for the efficient management of trees within their ownership which includes making sure trees do not overhang public pavements or roads. Please note that many trees within the area are protected by tree preservation/conservation orders and it is an offence to carry out work on such trees without obtaining planning permission from TRDC. Select here for further information.
Please note that Herts County Council have a very useful online tool for reporting a number of issues which fall within their jurisdiction including graffiti on road signs or bus stops, litter, fallen tree branches and damaged verges. Select here for Fault Reporting.

Pollution
The council has a legal duty to ensure that incidents of pollution are kept to a minimum. Pollution includes:
  • Noise – from neighbours, pubs, building sites, car and house alarms etc. Select here for further information. Please note that the local police do not deal with noise pollution incidents.
  • Bonfires – this causes air pollution, although there are no bye laws to prohibit bonfires, the council urges residents to be sensitive to the local neighbourhood. Select here for further information.
  • Fireworks – Although they are widely used for celebrations, they can disturb people and animals. The council and the committee urge residents to be considerate to local neighbours when using fireworks. There are also a number of restrictions on the use of fireworks. Select here for further information.
  • Light Nuisance – Residents must be aware of the impact their security or property lighting may have on their neighbours. Select here for further information.

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