A number of people have been in touch with Councillors, following the decision to make changes to the bin collection service. Unfortunately, some opposition parties have used the opportunity to spread misinformation and confusion. Here are some of the answers to central questions that have been asked:
Why is this Changing?
There is a significant overspend in the waste budget and new bins have to be bought to be replaced with safer and more suitable bins.
Why did you not just increase the Council Tax?
We looked at all options, but no Council Tax increase could have plugged the hole – we would still have had to find cuts elsewhere, from Education for example.
Why is there an overspend and why can’t you get it down?
The decision in 2016 not to replace the diamond bins meant the vehicles had to work with two different lifting arrangements. As explained in the report, breakdowns, etc has meant a significant increase in costs.
An all-party working group was established to look at waste management, consisting of SNP, Labour, Conservatives and Greens. The service has introduced new technology and optimised routes. It has reduced costs but there remains a stubborn £600k overspend that cannot be reduced further.
What about smells and attracting pests?
There is no change to the food waste collection. There will be a special two weekly uplift for nappies or incontinence products.
I’m worried about fly tipping in my area?
Councils that have already introduced changes did not find any increase in fly tipping, however we will be looking at additional patrols to enforce the law.
I have a large family can I get a second bin?
Yes, people who need additional support or service will be able to get it. The Council will be consulting with people over the next few months prior to the new system coming into effect to ensure that everyone gets the service that they need.
The Tories are saying you are not collecting glass.
Unfortunately, the Tories are not telling the truth.
The deposit scheme comes into force in 2022 (which might be put back because of Covid) Once that is established Zero Waste Scotland predict a 90% capture rate. It is unviable to collect boxes only 10% full. Anyone not wanting to use the scheme or has glass than doesn’t comply, will be asked to use their blue bins
What about this £35 charge for garden waste?
It is part of getting the overspend down. The collection of garden waste is a not a legally required service for local authorities to offer, and the current system means everyone pays for it, even if they don’t have a garden. Where people don’t wish to use the service, they will be encouraged to compost their garden waste at home.
Again other Councils have done this. We will encourage home composting and are looking at a concessionary scheme for low income households and pensioners as part of the 2021 budget process.
What if I can’t afford it?
A concession scheme will be developed in advance of roll out to help low income households and pensioners.
The report says increasing from 2 weeks to four weeks improves recycling rates, where is the evidence?
This is based on trials carried out a few years ago. A study of 10,000 households saw a reduction of 14% in the bin. Other Councils who have since introduced it have seen improvements in recycling.
When is it happening?
The Council will be asking people now if they need the special nappy collection or need additional bins. The new bins will then be delivered in 2021 with collections starting in July 2021.
How will this affect efforts to tackle climate change?
The new routes will be optimised to reduce the mileage of our waste collection vehicles. In addition to this, with better recycling systems in place, it is estimated that there will be a 14% drop in waste going to landfill.
If there is anything you need to know about this or anything else about Council services, please get in touch with your Ward Councillor. Details at –
https://www.stirling.gov.uk/council-democracy/politicians-elections-democracy/your-councillors/
Please feel free to phone me about anything
07968845603 Cllr Jim Thomson