A GREEN party councillor says his campaigning has paid off, after the council approved employing additional personnel to tackle missed bin collections.
Redlands ward councillor Dave McElroy says at its peak, in August last year, 868 bins were missed – compared to the performance standard of 250.
In November all roads in Reaidng had a delayed green bin collection, 211 roads had a delayed grey bin pick-up, and 114 roads saw issues with the red bin (recycling).
Last December, Reading Borough Council said they had been working hard to meet residents’ expectations, and will continue to try to make the service as consistent and reliable as possible.
Some of the delays had been due to external factors, including a burst water main on Bath Road.
A spokesperson said: “We acknowledge that issues have been experienced in the past, including the week commencing November 13, which was particularly challenging due to multiple vehicle breakdowns and staff absences.
“Despite these setbacks, our crews worked the extended hours needed to ensure all collections were completed, which were largely dealt with the next day.”
In the budget for the financial year starting in April, which is expected to be approved by councillors at a meeting this evening (Tuesday, February 27), there was a commitment to increase funding to help boost recruitment numbers.
Cllr McElroy said the council’s budget papers state 71 full-time workers are required to empty everyone’s bins on time but the current waste budget only provides for 60 people.
An additional £405,000 has been added to the pot to ensure the correct number of people can be employed, including an additional Assistant Waste Service Manager.
“Residents have been raising missed and delayed bin collections for some time. These problems lead to blocked pavements, more fly-tipping and more litter on our roads,” he said.
“We have been continually raising this issue and lobbying for the council to employ enough people so that everyone’s bins are emptied on time.
“While I’m sure that local rat populations will be disappointed, we are glad that this Green Party pressure has paid off and the council is increasing the budget needed to clean up its own mess.”
