Telford & Wrekin Council make changes to bin collections

The day on which rubbish and recycling is collected is to change for nearly two thirds of all households in the borough - approximately 40,000 households.

The change is a part of the line by line budget scrutiny by council leader Kuldip Sahota and Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, as part of the £50m savings the Council has had to make as a result of local government cuts.

The council will save money by reducing the number of refuse vehicles from six to five, cutting down the distance they travel and spending less on fuel.

From early June, households that will have their collection day changed will find a message attached to the red lidded wheelie bin handle with details of the new collection date. The council will also engage with residents via social media, the council website and other direct methods including letter drops.

Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “Emptying the bins is a fundamental task for local councils and despite the £50m cuts, we as a council are committed to safeguarding this frontline service.

“We have therefore looked at the best way of delivering these services without there being any reduction in what is available to residents.

“The model we have devised will save a considerable amount of money per year.

“We can do all this simply be reducing the number of vehicles operating and delivering the service in a more efficient way.

“This will however mean a significant number of homes will have their bin collection day changed so I apologise for any inconvenience that this causes.

“However, I am sure people will agree that the saving will be well worth the changes in the long run. I would urge people to tell their friends and relatives that their bin day collection might be changing.”

The changes will come into force from June 24.