Bin collections could change in Essex borough as controversial system could be scrapped
Bin collections could change in an Essex area after more than 7,000 residents made their voices heard over plans. Basildon Council will discuss changes to rubbish collection services with councillors preparing to talk about new recycling methods and weekly household waste collections.
The council could agree introducing two single-use plastic bags to replace the current blue and white reusable recycling sacks. It is also proposing to draw up detailed plans for the introduction of weekly black bin household waste collections.
The Labour-lead authority is also planning on drawing up detailed plans for other recycling collection options, with other changes. It comes after the new administration, which was elected in May, previously said the current waste systems are costing more than £1million in additional costs, with additional crews, fuel and agency staff contributing to the increase bill.
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The waste and recycling consultation was held from August to September, with 7,760 residents completing the consultation survey. If the council agrees a weekly black bin collection, via black sacks, the estimated financial impact of this decision is £50,000 in one off costs to implement the change in services and an estimated ongoing cost of £580,000 to £880,000 dependent on the level of changes in residual waste observed.
The cost of a system with two separate single use recycling bags – The one off costs for this option are estimated to be £80,000 and the ongoing costs of delivering this service are estimated to be £710,000. The council says implementation will reduce the ongoing budget realignment requirement by £800,000 as the number of crews required to deliver this service is lower than collecting from reusable sacks.
The council’s cabinet is set to discuss the plans at a meeting on Monday November 11, the meeting papers say: “Cabinet could decide to set out aspirations for future service direction change in the near future and choose to implement partial change sooner with further changes at a later date. This could take the form of a move to single use bags now, whilst plans are developed towards future and further improved service delivery methods. A further implementation plan would need to be produced and brought to future cabinet meeting for decision.
“This would allow more time to prepare for changes and also to identify the required areas within the budget for the additional costs that will be incurred as part of future budget setting activity. This option allows for interim measures to be introduced which maintain performance levels, whilst controlling costs and moving away from the least favoured recycling container – the current reusable sack service whilst further options are explored and delivery plans costed and drafted for approval.
"There are some risks associated with this dependant on the options chosen as some of the options would be better suited to implement at the same time. For example hiring additional crews for residual waste changes, then having to decrease crew numbers should a quicker recycling option be chosen. This could lead to unnecessary redundancies within the service, albeit the service would ensure this risk is mitigated and minimised as far as practicable.”