Decision details

To propose that a fee be applied for replacement bins provided for collection services excluding garden waste bins, to provide comparison with other Local Authorities that also apply fees for replacement of bins and to provide benchmarking with other Local Authorities for garden waste collection fees.

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report which provided information and options with respect of fees being applied for replacement waste and recycling containers (bins). It provided information with respect to garden waste service fees. The proposed increases and the proposed fees were set out in the report.

Members were concerned about particular examples of residents on low incomes whose bins were often damaged by no fault of their own (cross winds in a particular road for example) and who may not be able to afford a new bin. This could result in broken bins being dumped and rubbish being left out on the streets or fly-tipped. The Portfolio Holder explained that the focus was on residents who were using their existing bins for other purposes or giving them to relatives in other Districts, whilst asking for a new set of bins for free and the charge was intended to dissuade people from doing that. Of course if bins were stolen, or if they were damaged by the contractors, they would be replaced for free. Officers also did have discretion built in to these procedures. They would consider people’s individual circumstances and would not be over-punitive in such cases.

Recommended:

That       (i)              a fee be applied for supply of any new replacement collection containers, excluding garden waste and food waste containers.

(ii)               an incremental increase be applied over three successive financial years for the garden waste collection service.