5,300 respond to consultation on bin changes in just three weeks

PLANS to overhaul bin collections have brought a huge response — with 5,300 residents having their say in the first three week’s of public consultation.

The proposed changes include more capacity for recycling paper, cardboard, glass and cans, less space for general rubbish and a £40-a-year charge for garden waste.

Rotherham Borough Council is aiming to reduce its £11 million-a-year household waste bill by £1.3 million.

Eight weeks of consultation will run until January 26 and the results will be published ahead of a final decision being made.

You can take part in the consultation at  www.rotherham.gov.uk/consultations or by attending the following remaining drop-in sessions:

  • Riverside House, Wednesday, January 3, 10am to 2pm
  • Kiveton Park and Wales Village Hall, Friday, January 12, 9am to 1pm
  • Montgomery Hall, Wath, Wednesday, January 17, 9am to 1pm
  • Dinnington Resource Centre, Friday, January 19, 1pm to 7pm.

A council spokesman said: “We are committed to working with residents to create safe, clean, green and well-maintained neighbourhoods. 

“We want to ensure we deliver the most cost-effective waste services as well as increase levels of recycling.

“Over the last few years, the council has been facing significant reductions in funding. 

“In addition, we have a UK target to recycle at least 50 per cent of household waste by 2020. 

“In 2016/17, we recycled 45.15 per cent, so we still have some way to go.

“This has led to a review of how your waste is collected and recycled.”

Meanwhile, a petiton launched against the bin collection changes has attracted more than 200 signatures.

Liberal Democrats member Colin Taylor said the party wanted Rotherham Borough Council to introduce plastic recycling collections ditch plans to shrink the black bin by a quarter.

Mr Taylor said: “This could be a golden opportunity for Rotherham to become a leader in recycling and these plans fall way short of that.

“Many families are struggling, and shrinking the bin size will only make things worse while not increasing what is recycled.

“We want a better solution for Rotherham that makes it easier for residents to recycle more.”

You can see the petition at saveourbins.org.uk.

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