Last-ditch attempt to see off green bin charge defeated

Your green bin - will it stay or will it go? SM-S091207-041js NNL-170802-171943001

An attempt by the Lib Dems to consider a package of other measures rather than the charge was defeated.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Jerry Roodhouse said: “There is a better way and a majority of councillors decided not to take it.

“Rugby Liberal Democrats first raised the issue of redesigning green bin services in 2007 to make it more efficient and cost effective. Our calls were continually ignored by the Conservatives who have run Rugby Council for the past 15 years.

“Furthermore, the decision to first suspend the service over Christmas, then reintroduce it as well as send out a poorly worded survey to residents – with many still not having received one – has caused confusion and unnecessary disruption to the community.”

But the agreed scheme will now replace the existing green bin service which will end on March 31.

With an overall £3.8million shortfall in the council’s medium term financial plan, the change is expected to help towards a £800,000 saving in the waste collection service.

The savings will be achieved by a combination of income from the service, reducing the number of rounds, and more efficient collection routes.

Households that opt in to the new scheme will receive a sticker to place on their bin.

This will entitle them to a fortnightly collection of garden waste year-round, except for a short break at Christmas or in exceptional circumstances such as persistent bad weather.

Residents will be able to sign up for the service online or by telephone from the beginning of March.

All food waste will now go in the black bins.

Cllr Lisa Parker, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for environment and public realm, said: “While no-one would choose to make this change, we have to set a balanced budget and this service will help us make the savings that we need over the next few years.”

Details of the garden waste collection scheme will be sent to all residents in early March, and will be published online at www.rugby.gov.uk/gardenwaste as they become available.