Rotherham council to charge for replacement bins

The council said there would be no charge for bins set alight or stolen

Rotherham Council has started charging for supplying replacement waste bins.

About 25,000 bins were replaced for free in 2009, costing the taxpayer £200,000, but the council said it could no longer afford this.

Householders will not have to pay for replacement recycling bins but replacement black bins will cost £22 with £8 extra for delivery.

The council said there would be no charge for bins that had been set alight or stolen.

A spokesman said a police incident number would have to be provided in the event of a stolen bin.

Rotherham is the first local authority in South Yorkshire to introduce such charges.

Charges 'regrettable'

The charges also apply to developers and management companies of newly-built properties.

Gerald Smith, cabinet member for regeneration and environment for Rotherham council, said: "It is regrettable that we are having to introduce the £22 replacement charge, but if we want to continue with our range of collections and improve our recycling rate we will have to introduce this fee."

Householders can collect replacement black bins from Hellaby Depot (by arrangement) between 0900 and 1400, Monday to Friday.

Families of five or more asking for a larger 140 litre black wheeled bin will not be charged.

Any black and green bins damaged by the refuse crews during collection will also be replaced for free.