Brummies split on major change which could see homes given third wheelie bin

Brummies have reacted with confusion after it emerged many residents will be getting an extra recyling bin.
-Credit: (Image: Dave Evitts / SWNS)


A scheme to tackle 'stubbornly low' recycling rates in Birmingham has been slammed by BirminghamLive readers - but welcomed by a number of local councillors. Plans to give thousands of households a second recycling bin - and a third rubbish bin in total - were labelled a 'waste of money' by many of our readers, but others see it as in important step towards tackling the city's poor recycling rates - among the worst in the country.

Birmingham City Council this week sought approval to obtain 340,000 new bins, which will be used specifically for paper and card. A pilot test of the scheme in Bromford showed 'positive' results, according to environment boss Coun Majid Mahmood.

He described the plans as a 'major step forward towards the modernisation of the recycling service' - a move welcomed by Liberal Democrat group council leader Roger Hamer. But some residents across Birmingham reacted with confusion to the news, questioning the cost-effectiveness of the proposed changes.

READ MORE: Birmingham set for major bin change to tackle ‘appallingly low’ recycling rates

According to a report published this week, the changes are likely to be phased in from next April until March 2026. The document said an investment of £6.6 million for the second recycling bins “facilitates a gross revenue saving of £2.170m per annum”.

It continued: “The primary contributor to this saving is a significant reduction in the cost associated with the processing of contaminated recyclable materials.”

Coun Harmer said he welcomed the move to 'significantly improve our recycling rates from what are appallingly low levels currently'. But he stressed the council needed to focus on getting the implementation of the changes right.

Coun Rob Pocock, the cabinet member overseeing the council’s transformation, said during this week's meeting: "It's good we may eventually become a top class, 21st century city for recycling. There’s a long way to go there - this is a step along that long journey."

However, the move drew criticism from some BirminghamLive readers who raised concerns about whether the changes would provide value for money. One reader commented: "Why am i going to be made to have a new bin when i do not want or need one? i do not fill the one i have. Secondly, how much is it going to cost to buy all these new bins? i thought we were bankrupt?"

Another reader added: "There are parts of Birmingham were rubbish spills out on the pavement and road - sort that before you introduce another bin. I don't want or need yet another great big bin taking up space in my garden."

A third reader said: "I think most people would rather have THEIR money spent on more vital things at the moment like care homes and carers. And other child and adult support services. But no they would rather spend on this. Priorities so wrong."

Coun Mahmood said of the plans: "In large parts of the city our recycling rates are stubbornly low in comparison to other towns and cities, so together we need to do more. That's why Birmingham City Council is working hard to make it easier for you to increase the amount of recycling and improve its quality by having two recycling bins.

"We are therefore running a pilot scheme. Those included will be receiving a second recycling bin shortly. In the green-lidded bin that replaces the pod, you can recycle your paper and card giving you a lot more room.

"In the blue-lidded bin, you can recycle glass bottles and jars, metals and plastics, such as food and drink cans. It is important that you make sure the items are empty, washed and dried before putting them in the blue lidded bin.

"If you're unsure as to the items that you can recycle, further information is available on the Birmingham City Council website. Let's get this right so that we can so we can play our part in protecting our environment and saving the planet."

What do you make of the planned changes? Have you say in the comments below