The council is currently facing a 1.5 million budget shortfall and the move has come about in order to cut its waste bill as well as encouraging its residents to begin or increase recycling efforts.
” Charging for side waste, as well as encouraging recycling could generate as much as 100,000 in income in the first year “
– Councillor Philip Circus, Reigate and Banstead borough council
According to Reigate and Banstead, around 40% of households in the borough do not participate in the kerbside recycling scheme. The council offers kerbside collections of paper, card, cans and green waste, collections are made by and in-house team.
In response to the lack of participation residents in Reigate and Banstead will soon be charged 1 for every bag of side waste the council has to collect. Residents will need to pay for the sack in advance.
Bulky waste will also now be a charged for service for all residents. Previously those on benefits were offered four free collections per year, these residents will now be offered a 50% discount. Charges will differ depending on the amount and type of waste to be collected.
Councillor Philip Circus, executive member for the Environment, said: “These schemes aim to encourage residents to increase recycling and reuse their household waste and reduce the amount of waste being collected and disposed of at landfill.
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“Charging for side waste, as well as encouraging recycling could generate as much as 100,000 in income in the first year. This is expected to reduce over time as more residents switch to recycling but will be balanced as the council receives more recycling credits in response to rising recycling rates,” he added.
Reigate and Banstead is currently recycling around 25.05% of its waste, with a target of 30% for 2005/06.
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