Wheelie bins could be introduced to the majority of homes in Tendring under proposed changes announced today.
The free bins, supplied by Tendring District Council (TDC), would replace black sacks and reduce the amount of litter caused by bags ripping due to weather or animals. They would be collected fortnightly, under the proposed changes to TDC’s waste contract.
They are being considered as part of an extension to the council’s deal with contractor Veolia, alongside the street cleaning contract, which between them are the two largest contracts TDC has.
Street cleaning will become more responsive, as the need to clean up after split black bags will reduce.
A consultation is being launched into the proposed changes, and any changes which go ahead will not be introduced until the summer of 2019.
Recycling arrangements will remain unchanged, as will assisted collections and the weekly food waste collection.
Councillor Michael Talbot, cabinet member for environment at TDC, said the changes meant an equally good service could be maintained at the same cost.
“To continue with the current service as it is will see the contract cost rise by around £400,000, which is unsustainable,” he said.
“However, these changes mean we can both improve the service we have at only a marginal extra cost, and talks are ongoing on a possible operational change which could actually see a small saving being made on the contract.
“The introduction of wheelie bins for the vast majority of the District will mean rubbish does not end up being strewn across the street by animals or weather conditions, a move which I am sure will be much-welcomed.
“Fortnightly general waste collections are fast becoming the norm across the UK, with one local authority even adopting a four-weekly cycle and several have three-weekly collections. Officers have considered a wide-range of options before looking to move ahead with the proposals outlined.
“The 180-litre bins should be big enough for every household’s needs, but we also hope to see an increase in recycling rates as a result of these changes.”
Every property in the district has been assessed to establish if they are suitable for a wheeled bin. A small number of homes which are unsuitable, such as those with no side or rear access, will continue to have a weekly black sack collection. Most flats will also see their waste collection unchanged.
A four-week consultation on the proposed waste collection changes begins today (Friday, February 16), and runs until noon on Friday, March 16. See here to have your say or email to have your say.
TDC’s cabinet is due to make a final decision on the contract in March once the consultation has concluded.
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