Bristol Greens scrap controversial monthly bin collection proposals after public backlash
Bristol’s Green-led council has scrapped the possibility of introducing monthly black bin collections.
The option was put to the public as part of a consultation on improving the waste and recycling service in the city.
But the Greens have now ruled out the idea after it was heavily criticised.
There is still a possibility of collections changing to three-weekly.
Councillor Martin Fodor, chair of the council’s environment and sustainability committee, said: “The four-weekly option was put in the consultation as an outlier for modelling purposes and I made clear it was always unlikely to go ahead.
“And so based on what we’ve heard and the strength of feeling that this has generated across the city, the Greens will not be supporting any proposals put forward to move to four-weekly collections at this time.”
“The full results of the consultation will be presented to a cross-party group to decide on any changes to our waste and recycling services.”
“I would like to thank everyone who made the time to make their voice heard.
“The Greens aim to be as collaborative and transparent in our decision making as possible.
“While other parties consult on pre-made decisions, the views of Bristol will always be taken into account under this administration.”
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The Bristol Labour Party called the move a “u-turn”.
Tom Renhard, leader of Bristol Labour, added: “The Green-led council ruling out a move to four-weekly black bin collection – at least for now – is welcome, if long overdue news but I am concerned they may bring this issue back to the chamber and I would urge them to give firm assurances to Bristol residents that will not be the case.
“The 12,000+ people who signed our petition have sent a clear message that Bristolians do not support this cut in services.
“It has been clear from the start that this policy is totally unworkable.
“The Greens dropping it will be a relief to all, particularly those with larger families or newborns, who need fortnightly black bin collections.
“Labour councillors won’t support any cut to the frequency of bin collections.
“Waste and recycling collection is the one service that every council tax payer uses and relies upon; it needs to be protected from their cuts.
“The council administration received a significant funding uplift this year, so it should investigate ways to increase recycling rates without cutting services, and commit to keeping fortnightly bin collection.”