Father left with bitter taste after chocolate box recycling row (From Borehamwood Times)

Father bemused by Hertsmere Borough Council recycling rules

10:07am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Anna Slater

After his two children devoured a large box of chocolates, Paul Pritchard thought he would do the right thing and put the empty container in the recycling bin.

But his good intentions were quashed when bin men refused to collect the dustbin carrying two week’s worth of recycling because the confectionary box sat on top.

The bemused 43-year-old is now left scratching his head, wondering why the bin men did not just remove the offending container and collect his rubbish as usual.

He said: “It is quite bizarre. I am a reasonable person and I was just trying to do the right thing by recycling.

“I phoned the council who told me that this particular chocolate box could not be recycled due to the plastic coating. I was more amused than angry at the time.

“Now I just think it is mad because I have to wait another two weeks for the rest of the bin to be collected. That is ridiculous.”

The Brownlow Road resident received the tasty treat as a gift from his sister when she visited him over the weekend.

But the accountant said he felt let down by the bin men who did not knock on his door to warn him about the recycling rules.

He added: “They are supposed to be a rubbish collecting service – instead they have just left me with a recycling bin full to the brim. That is not very environmentally friendly.

“I try my best to do my bit, and this is how I am repaid.”

The Borehamwood and Elstree Times is awaiting comment from Hertsmere Borough Council.