Letters go out to residents over green bin collection changes

Residents who pay for more than one green bin are being sent letters regarding collection changes which will come into play next month.

Last month Wrexham.com reported that executive board members had unanimously backed proposals to reduce the current two weekly garden waste collections to just once a month between December to February.

Described at the time as being a “sensible adjustment to services” and a “service rationalisation that will save us money” – the meeting was told there is drop in the quantity of garden waste collected between the three months listed above.

Earlier this month Wrexham Council said the changes to collection won’t impact front-line staff and will instead ‘free up staff to help deal with any issues caused by the winter’, such as gritting routes or general maintenance.

The reduction in collections is the second garden waste related change to have been introduced in recent months, with households with more than one green bin paying an annual £30 charge if they wish to have them emptied.

Ahead of next month’s changes those residents who pay the fee are being sent letters advising them that their additional bins will be also collected monthly – despite paying the annual charge.

The letter states: “on 23 October 2018, the Council’s Executive Board approved a change to the current garden waste collection service during the winter months, which as a result, means that all garden waste bins will be collected once a month during December, January, January and February. PLEASE NOTE: Additional bins will still be emptied on these monthly collection days.

“Past collection data indicated that garden waste tonnages decreased by approximately 80% during December, January and February.

“This is also the period, when traditionally, the winter maintenance service hits a peak and requires additional resources.

“Responses from the previous Difficult Decisions budget consultation also demonstrated that residents felt efficiencies could be made by reviewing the garden waste collection service during the winter months.

“These suggestions are extremely valuable in light of the recent news that Wrexham Council has to find £9 million worth of budget savings in 2019/20.

“By writing to all existing customers of the above service about the changes being made, the council it is adhering to the terms and conditions originally set out. It is envisaged that the seasonal decline in garden waste during the three months mentioned will not impact on the council service provided.”

Members of the public are also being invited to share their views on more potential bin collection related changes.

As part of the current Difficult Decisions budget consultation one proposal being put forward is reducing the current fortnightly collection for black or blue bins and instead introducing three-weekly collections.

It is estimated that this change would generate the greatest level of savings, and also have the biggest impact on recycling within Wrexham.

Recycling collections would continue on a weekly basis and it is hoped the amount of recyclable waste increases as a result of this change to the black / blue bins.

Another change proposed is the introduction of an annual charge of £30 to everyone (who uses one) to have their green / garden waste bins collected.

You can complete the consultation / read some further information about the proposals on the Your Voice Wrexham website. Paper copies are also available by request by calling 01978292000.

You have until November 28th to have your say on the potential changes to bin collections – and other proposals.