MP says hundreds unhappy about new bin collections

Black bins have been collected every three weeks in west Berkshire since 22 September

Hundreds of people have told an MP they are concerned about the impact of general waste being collected every three weeks instead of every fortnight.

West Berkshire Council changed the frequency of its black bin collections from 22 September. Its recycling and garden waste collections are still being picked up every two weeks.

Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, said more than 700 residents responded to a survey about the change, with 92% of them worried it could lead to more fly-tipping.

The authority said it has not made the change lightly and much of the rubbish thrown away in residents' black bins can be recycled.

Resident Jason Fewings, from Theale, said he was worried about extra waste following the change.

"It's going to impinge on people's daily routines and general demeanour," he said.

"You come out of the house and you see mess around you. It's not going to make a good neighbourhood."

MP Bailey said residents who responded to her survey were "overwhelmingly opposed to the change" with "many worried about the impacts on their families and the wider community".

"I share their concerns and will continue to urge the council to listen to my constituents and reconsider this decision," she said.

Councillor Stuart Gourley, West Berkshire Council's environment and highways chief, said analysis showed 42% of black bin waste can be recycled.

"More and more local authorities are switching their frequency to three-weekly because [they] appreciate that recycling has got so much better," he said.

The council stands to receive a bill of £1.4m in three years if its level of waste-producing continues, he added.

Gourley said the authority is in the top 10% for the worst waste-producing areas in the country and new legislation in 2027/28 could mean it receives the penalty.