Middlesbrough Council apologises over garden bin delays as more 'urgently ordered to meet demand'

Residents across Middlesbrough are being reassured that everyone who has ordered a new garden waste bin will receive one very shortly.

Council chiefs have apologised for the delay in a number of residents getting their bins and have reassured all those who have ordered one that theirs will be delivered within the next two weeks. A spokesperson said the delivery delays are related to the fact that more than 19,500 residents have subscribed to the garden waste service, significantly more than a first-year projection of 9,300.

This estimate was based on subscriber levels at other Teesside and North-east councils who have already introduced a charge. Around 1,300 orders were not fulfilled as originally planned, but this issue is being rectified.

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The distribution of brown garden waste bins is part of the biggest shake-up of bin collection services in Middlesbrough ’s history, including a move to fortnightly household waste collections. Hundreds of brown bins are being delivered each day, at the same time as old green garden bins are collected and have their wheels dismantled at roadside.

Household waste and recycling continues to be collected as normal. With demand for the new brown bins exceeding initial expectations, the council’s executive will consider a recommendation to purchase a further 12,000 units at a cost of £376,000. This will ensure there is no need to order further bins in the foreseeable future.

The council said it is aware that some subscribers to the new garden waste service can’t yet see their collection dates on online calendars. They said the issue is being addressed and an update will be provided as soon as possible.

Councillor Peter Gavigan, Middlesbrough Council ’s Executive member for Environment, said: “Take-up for this important part of the service was considerably greater than we’d originally envisaged – that’s fantastic news, but it does mean we’re having to urgently order more bins to meet that demand.

“I’d like to apologise to anyone affected for any inconvenience, and I’d like to thank residents for their ongoing patience and understanding. This is a major service improvement and the majority of bins have been issued without any problem.

“We are working hard to resolve a relatively small number of issues, and in the long term the benefits for all of us will be felt for years to come.”

For more information on waste collection arrangements in Middlesbrough, visit www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/bins or email bins@middlesbrough.gov.uk