The proposal for the introduction of reduced residual waste collections was discussed at a cabinet meeting on Monday (27 June).
The authority issued a ‘Waste Management Options Report’ ahead of the meeting, laying out its reasons for considering the change, pointing to the continued rise of disposal costs and increased financial pressure (see letsrecycle.com story).
Oldham follows the lead of a number of Manchester councils that have already implemented three weekly collection services, including Salford, Rochdale and Bury.
From 3 October, residual waste collections, which are carried out in-house by the local authority will switch from a fortnightly to a three-weekly cycle – with food and garden waste collections remaining weekly.
The changes will also see changes to recycling collections, with blue bins for paper and card and brown bins for glass, plastic and tins collected in the weeks that residual waste is not collected.
The changes are aimed at improving the borough’s recycling rate by 12% and reduce the amount spent on waste disposal by as much as £3 million over the next two years, the Greater Manchester council has stated.
Frontline
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said: “Due to government funding cuts over the last few years Oldham council has had to change the way our frontline services work. These changes to our waste collection service are the latest but we are confident they will continue to provide value for money.
“Over the next few years we want to see to our recycling rates increase so we don’t have to pay huge financial penalties. By cutting disposal costs we’ll be helping to save council tax payers’ money, which can be used on other essential public services.
Cllr Brownridge added: “Over the next two years the council needs to make £37m worth of savings. Making these changes will help avoid further costs putting even more pressure on the Council’s budget. Doing nothing is not an option.”
Packs with information about the changes and a recycling guide will be delivered to all households during July and bin collection calendars specific to each area will be distributed to all residents in September to ensure people are ready and informed.
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