“Confusing and false information” about changes to bin collections in Wokingham was deliberately spread as a “political ploy” ahead of local elections, a councillor has claimed.
Cllr Ian Shenton, executive member for environment and leisure, made the claim at a full meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, held on Thursday, May 18.
It came after a local campaigner questioned the council’s recent decision to switch to alternating weekly recycling and general waste collections, citing criticism from some residents.
Tony Johnson, who asked the question, stood unsuccessfully to be elected as an independent councillor in Shinfield North during local elections this year, with his campaign featuring questions around the proposed changes.
The Conservative Party also campaigned against the changes.
In answer to Mr Johnson’s question, Cllr Shenton said: “It is regrettable that so much confusing and false information about the changes to our waste collection was deliberately circulated as a political ploy during the election campaign.
“Our proposal is simple: food waste will be collected every week, accompanied by recycling one week and general waste the next.”
Cllr Shenton also said the decision was based on consultations with residents and experts, and the experience of other councils in moving to alternating weekly collections.
He added: “We will draw on their experience to take into account residents’ concerns about things like the suitability of a property for a bin, the size of bin, assisted collections, and medical and large family needs.
“We understand that change can be difficult, but we will be adopting the mitigations proven by many others.”
Mr Johnson asked at the meeting what message councillors should send to residents concerned about the changes. He said residents of Shinfield North “expressed opposition” to the planned changes during election campaigning this year.
He said: “Parents, carers who use disposable nappies (and neighbours) enquired as to hygiene or foul smells especially during summer.”
In response, Cllr Shenton said: “The messages that councillors should be communicating to the residents are: we cannot afford to continue with the current expensive system. Secondly, we need to improve our recycling rates to meet environmental targets.
“Thirdly, we must take note of impending legislative changes that will result in direct government intervention to achieve their declared and desired consistency, which will make changes to waste collection inevitable.”
Mr Johnson asked how the council would fund the changes.
Cllr Shenton referred him to a report from the council’s executive in March, which approved them.
It says the funding – some £1.96 million – would mostly come the Waste Equalisation Fund, a pot of money linked to a joint waste management project between Wokingham Borough Council, Bracknell Forest Council and Reading Borough Council.
