'Health crisis' fears amid changes to bin collections

Foul smells and extra vermin could plague the area if bin collections are reduced, opposition councillors fear

Controversial plans to move to one black bin collection in three weeks in South Gloucestershire could spark foul smells, more vermin and a potential public health crisis, opposition councillors fear.

The council’s Liberal Democrat/Labour cabinet last month approved the reduced frequency from 2026 and told the Government that was the only way it could improve recycling rates.

But, Conservatives have criticised the decision as “flawed” and “short-sighted” and say the local authority should instead work with residents to help them understand what not to put in the black bin.

The Lib Dems and Labour have hit back, accusing the Tories of failing to understand a serious funding shortfall, they say was caused by the Conservative government. A spokesman for the department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "We recognise councils are facing challenges and that is why earlier this year we announced an additional £600m support package for councils across England.

“This brought their overall funding for this financial year to £64.7 billion, including a 7.6% rise for South Gloucestershire Council - an above inflation increase demonstrating that the Government stands behind councils across the country.”

Public health crisis

“Reducing black bin collections to three-weekly will leave a stink for residents," councillor Kris Murphy (Conservative, Longwell Green) said.

“Reducing black bin collections to as little as once a month is simply not an acceptable level of service."

Tory group leader, Sam Bromiley, said: “The reduced frequency of collections could also mean that bins will be left to overflow, resulting in foul smells, more vermin and a potential public health crisis.”

Conservatives say residents raised serious concerns about a move to three-weekly collections during public consultation earlier this year, including the lack of free space in black bins, hygiene and pollution issues and increased nuisance from wildlife.

Results from a consultation showed around 30% of items that residents put in their black bins could be recycled

Cabinet member for communities Sean Rhodes (Lab) said results from a consultation showed more than 30% of current black bin items could be recycled.

“The proposed changes to three-weekly collections will bring a service that currently costs more than the funding we receive to pay for it into a balanced budget position," Mr Rhodes said.

“So when we place this saving alongside a range of additional recycling strategies, we achieve a more environmentally sound service, which has a reduced overall cost to the council and thereby residents.

“This is common sense, evidence led and ultimately it finds a solution to a problem that was flagged by the Conservatives when they were in charge of the council."

Lib Dem lead member for communities Jayne Stansfield said: “These comments from the Conservatives are missing the point.

“Yes we want to improve recycling rates but the real issue is the cost of the waste contract."