Basildon Council to Consider Weekly Waste Collections

Basildon Council, located in Essex, is scheduled to deliberate on Monday a proposal to implement weekly black bin collections utilizing wheelie bins, a move prompted by resident requests. The estimated financial implications for the authority include approximately £120,000 in one-off expenditures and up to £2.194 million in ongoing operational costs. A report prepared by council officers indicates that an increase in the frequency of residual waste collections would likely lead to a decrease in recycling levels. This outcome could impede the council’s capacity to achieve its recycling rate targets of 55% by 2025 and 65% by 2035. This development follows a consultation regarding three distinct options for black bin waste, in which 61.1% of residents strongly supported a weekly collection with a bin. This particular choice, designated as ‘option b’ within the report, would signify a departure from the current fortnightly collection system, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Nevertheless, the report articulated: “There is a risk that there will be an increase in the amount of recyclables in the non-recyclable waste wheeled bin and, therefore, a reduction in recycling credit income for the borough.” It further stated: “For context, a 50% reduction in the level of additional glass collected since the change in service would reduce the level of recycling credit and material income by around £75,000 per annum ongoing, although this should be treated as an estimate only.” Furthermore, it was underscored that an increased number of bin lorries and vehicles would be necessary to adequately provide the waste service. The report also noted: “An increase in the number of vehicles increases the cost to the service significantly as vehicle, staffing, agency, to cover holiday, and fuel costs are the larger costs that the service incurs.” This discussion occurs as Basildon Council prepares to discontinue recycling sacks, a decision made after a year of receiving complaints.