North Herts residents will have the chance to quiz the area’s new waste contractor about changes to their waste and recycling services at an event in Hitchin this weekend.

North Herts District Council awarded its waste and street cleansing services contract to Urbaser at the end of last year, as part of a joint contract with East Herts Council.

The drop-in session is an opportunity for residents to put questions to Urbaser and the district council about the new services – which include a weekly food waste collection, kerbside battery recycling and an opt-in garden waste collection service charged at £40 – coming into effect in May.

Vaughan Watson, NHDC’s head of leisure and environmental services, said: “This event is a great opportunity to meet NHDC’s waste team and staff from Urbaser, who will be on hand to explain more about your recycling, what items should go in which bin and what to do with items that can’t go in. If you’ve got any questions about the new service, please come along.”

Mark Pigott, Urbaser’s business development manager, said: “We are delighted to be providing these important services to residents of North Hertfordshire and we look forward to meeting with local residents. We encourage people to come to the roadshow to find out more about the services available to them.”

The event is taking place on Saturday in Hitchin’s Market Place from 10am to 3pm.

If you are unable to attend, there is a the service guide and a FAQ document online at north-herts.gov.uk/home/waste-and-recycling/changes-your-waste-and-recycling-services.