News / rubbish collection
Bristol now unlikely to move to four-weekly black bin collections
It is now all but certain that four-weekly black bin collections will not be introduced across Bristol as the city’s Green councillors rule out their support for the controversial proposal.
It will be up to a cross-party group to decide on what changes if any will take place following the end of a consultation likely to break records for the number of respondents.
Martin Fodor, chair of the environment & sustainability committee at City Hall, said the four-weekly option was put in the consultation “as an outlier for modelling purposes”.
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Fodor said: “I made clear it was always unlikely to go ahead.
“And so based on what we’ve heard and the strength of feeling that this has generated across the city, the Greens will not be supporting any proposals put forward to move to four-weekly collections at this time.”
The Greens will claim that this is not a U-turn while Labour are likely to celebrate a victory for people power against the Green-led council’s proposals.
A petition started by Labour group leader Tom Renhard opposed to monthly collections has now reached more than 12,000 signatures.
Renhard said: “The Green-led council ruling out a move to four-weekly black bin collection – at least for now – is welcome, if long overdue news but I am concerned they may bring this issue back to the chamber and I would urge them to give firm assurances to Bristol residents that will not be the case.
“The 12,000+ people who signed our petition have sent a clear message that Bristolians do not support this cut in services.
“It has been clear from the start that this policy is totally unworkable.
“The Greens dropping it will be a relief to all, particularly those with larger families or newborns, who need fortnightly black bin collections.
“Labour councillors won’t support any cut to the frequency of bin collections.
“Waste and recycling collection is the one service that every council tax payer uses and relies upon; it needs to be protected from their cuts.
“The council administration received a significant funding uplift this year, so it should investigate ways to increase recycling rates without cutting services, and commit to keeping fortnightly bin collection.”
Overflowing black bins are a common sight across Bristol – photo: Martin Booth
Fodor added: “I would like to thank everyone who made the time to make their voice heard.
“The Greens aim to be as collaborative and transparent in our decision making as possible.
“While other parties consult on pre-made decisions, the views of Bristol will always be taken into account under this administration.”
Main photo: Bristol Waste
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