At a meeting of North Somerset Councils Executive Committee on 2nd February I voted to block plans to trial 3 weekly black bin collections. This was a difficult decision as I believe we all need to do more to reduce our waste and recycle more. However, I do not feel the time is right to make these changes. Further consultation and engagement with residents is needed for such an important change.
Waste collections were only brought back in house last year after Biffa, the previous provider, exited the contract early. With North Somerset Council now directly running all waste collections we have an opportunity to make significant improvements. We are already one of the top performing councils in the UK for recycling and do not take any of your black bin waste to landfill (it is taken to Avonmouth and burnt to generate electricity).
Those in favour of reduced collections say it can simultaneously increase recycling rates and save money. As reported by the North Somerset Times other local authorities in Somerset have moved to 3 weekly collections and it has saved them £1.7m. However, many residents are concerned about smells, hygiene, and rats resulting from less frequent collections.
The collection of waste is a key service provided by North Somerset Council. Although 1,500 people responded to a consultation I believe most people are completely unaware that North Somerset Council is considering this move. That's why I want to know what you think. I am not opposed to the idea, I just want to make sure that residents are generally supportive of any change.
This week North Somerset Councils budget was approved. This included a measure to freeze green bin charges. Council staff had proposed that the charge be increased in line with inflation.
Last year, residents experienced a number of missed collections as a result of a national shortage of HGV drivers. In response to driver shortage we made the decision to prioritise black bin collections over green bins. Although, as previously reported, North Somerset coped a lot better than other councils (Bristol cancelled collections for 10 weeks), I did not feel residents would think it fair that the annual charge increase.
That's why I supported a change to the councils annual budget to freeze the green bin charge. In addition, in recognition of missed collections, the council will shortly be contacting residents to propose a rebate./refund.
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Published and promoted by Ashley Cartman for and on behalf of the North Somerset Liberal Democrats, 10 Fenshurst Gardens, Long Ashton, BS41 9AR.