Concern raised over 'smelly' rubbish trial

General waste collection and disposal costs on the island have increased significantly over the last two to three years, the States of Alderney said

An Alderney States member has said a reduced rubbish collection trial could result in a "really bad" smell.

The States of Alderney said the trial will see waste collected every fortnight, instead of once a week.

States works department manager Richard Phelan said officials hoped the trial would achieve "savings".

States member Steve Roberts said "old nappies and shellfish" within bins could result in an unpleasant smell.

'Half-empty bins'

The trial is scheduled to last six weeks during September and October.

The States works department research showed many islanders were recycling more, resulting in less need for general waste collection and that if all islanders recycled, a fortnightly service could be more cost efficient.

Mr Phelan said: "Rather than our guys driving once a week to pick up half-empty refuse bins, it's a lot more economical for us to make it a fortnightly effort.

"A trial, I think, is the best way to show if it's going to work for the island."

Mr Roberts said he was "very disappointed" by the plan.

"A lot of people will be concerned with nappies being in a bin for a fortnight," Mr Roberts said.

"Along with shellfish which people are eating at this time of the year.

"The smell could be really bad."

He added: "It's not going to happen in town, or the High Street, they're going to be exempt.

"But the rest of the island don't want to be smelling walking past their bins."

The States said waste collection and disposal costs had "increased significantly" over the past two to three years, partly due to inflation but also as a result of increased island waste.

During the trial there will be additional communal bins at waste and recycling facilities.

Victoria Street, High Street and Le Huret will be excluded from the trial as the properties have limited outside space.