In the news: Fixing the bins - Councillors confirm final steps for return to weekly collections

Councillors were presented with a report which proposed that weekly collections begin in Spring 2025, following final budget approval at February's Full Council meeting. 

The report comes after a full consultation with residents, in which 73.2% of respondents supported weekly residual waste collections using a wheeled bin. The service is currently delivered fortnightly. 

Following analysis of the survey results, Councillors instructed officers to prepare a detailed plan for the return to weekly collections.  

At Monday's Cabinet meeting, Councillors voted on recommendations to finalise the return to weekly collections, ensuring that the change is financially supported by a balanced budget for the financial year 2025/26. 

Cllr Aidan McGurran, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: "We have said time and again since taking control of the council in May that we will fix the bins and we mean it. This is a change that residents have told us they overwhelmingly support and we are committed to delivering on that. We have listened.  

"Monday's Cabinet meeting has set the stage to bring back weekly collections as soon as we are able. There is a process we have to follow to ensure the service is delivered responsibly and I'm grateful to everyone for their patience. We will be returning to weekly collections in Spring 2025." 

The report is included in the agenda for Monday's Cabinet meeting, which you can view on the council's website alongside the webcast of the meeting - Basildon Council - Agenda for Cabinet on Monday, 9th December, 2024, 7.00 p.m..

For regular updates on council services, including changes to waste and recycling services, sign up to the council's weekly e-newsletter at www.basildon.gov.uk/keepintouch  

ENDS

Published Tuesday 10 December 2024