PLANS to switch Wokingham’s waste collection away from weekly blue bags system to wheelie bins will go ahead, despite councillors voting against the plans last night.
On Tuesday, a meeting of the borough council’s ruling executive approved the plans, which means Wokingham residents will start to see the plastic waste receptacles arriving on doorsteps next summer.
And this vote trumps the one following a debate in the Shute End council chamber, brought about after a petition was signed by more than 1,500 people.
Following the debate, Cllr Norman Jorgensen, Shadow Executive Member for the Environment, said: “It is clear the majority of residents wish to retain weekly waste collections. I am pleased that an Independent councillor recognised just how unpopular this policy is and has voted with us.
“The Lib Dem/Labour Coalition didn’t give residents the chance to express their views on keeping weekly bin collections. I am glad we were able to bring resident’s views to the Council despite Liberal Democrat’s attempts to discredit it as ‘spurious’.
“Waste collection and recycling are important universal services that everyone in the Borough relies on. This policy will not save any money in the short term. In fact, it is expected to cost £2 million to implement. And future savings are not guaranteed.
“Remember this is the administration who said, when they scrapped the caddy liners, that they would increase recycling, saving the Council £300k. As we predicted at the time food recycling has not increased.
“Residents are being expected to pay more for less – this is not value for money for taxpayers.”
However, despite the feeling of Conservative councillors the decision stands.
Simon Dale, Wokingham Borough Council’s interim director of place and growth, said the council’s constitution gives decision-making powers to its executive committee rather than to the full council, so the debate vote was advisory.
“We need to reassure residents that the proposal to change to fortnightly collections for rubbish and recycling, with wheeled bins for rubbish, still stands and we are starting to work on the change programme.
“We know that this is the right thing for the residents of Wokingham Borough, as it will increase our recycling rate and save us £500,000 in the first year and £1 million every year after that. The vast majority of councils collect general rubbish fortnightly because it provides the best balance of needs – financial, environmental, and convenience for residents.”
He also said more than 9,000 residents took part in the consultation survey last year.
Of those, 24% said they like the idea of moving to fortnightly collections – more than signed the petition to save weekly collections.
Another 43% said they can accept fortnightly collections, with the same number saying they like the idea of having a wheelie bin for rubbish. The council says this is only possible with the change to fortnightly collections.
“All of our neighbours in Berkshire already do this – as do 85% of councils across the country,” Mr Dale added.
“For those with genuine concerns about the changes, like large families with children, exceptions will be made. The details of the changes will be considered and shared with residents before roll out. And, further survey work will take place to look at how suitable certain property types are for the changes. “
Cllr Stephen Conway, deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council said: “The council’s own consultation provided an enormous number of responses, with a very clear majority either supportive or acceptive of the changes.
“A vast number of people signed the petition in good faith, and we need to take seriously their concerns.
“Wheelie bins won’t be suitable for all properties. Officers will assess all streets and won’t put them in where it won’t work.
“There will also be exceptions, such as large families – we will work to address all the concerns raised.”
