South Gloucestershire Council Poised to Approve Three-Weekly Black Bin Collections

The collection frequency for black bins is slated to shift to a three-weekly schedule, a measure projected to yield annual savings of approximately £1 million. These proposals, which have drawn concerns regarding potential bin overflow, are anticipated to receive approval from South Gloucestershire Council next week. Black bins, designated for non-recyclable waste, are presently collected bi-weekly; the impending alteration aims to reduce expenditures and promote increased recycling. A report from the council’s cabinet concerning this initiative states that “changes will provide savings to ensure the council continues to provide a viable ongoing waste service offer to residents.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, council leaders are expected to endorse these modifications during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday. This alteration is integrated into a broader, new eight-year contract with Suez for waste collection services. The council indicated that it had initially considered a four-weekly collection schedule, which would have resulted in greater financial savings, but this concept was abandoned following adverse public feedback. A cabinet report noted: “There have been numerous consultation and engagement events and exercises to ensure residents and stakeholders are fully briefed, informed and involved where possible in the decision-making process.” The report further specified that the proposed changes aim to “improve recycling rates, reduce carbon and improve the quality of the service provided.” It concluded by stating: “We are now formalising the arrangements for contract award and there are no alternative options available at this stage.” Previously, opposition councillors cautioned that transitioning to three-weekly collections might result in insufficient bin capacity for some residents. However, council leadership contends that a significant portion of the contents typically placed in black bins is suitable for recycling or deposition in food waste bins. Additional modifications involve enabling residents to recycle an expanded range of plastic types, including soft wrappers, thereby decreasing the volume of waste destined for black bins. Furthermore, Household waste recycling centres, known as Sort It Centres, are set to be brought in-house and operated directly by the council.