Bin collections merger to save councils cash

By hbeestone

BIN collections in Lichfield and Burntwood are to be merged with Tamworth in a cost-cutting collaboration between local councils, the Mercury can reveal.

Sweeping changes will come into force this summer as Lichfield District Council joins forces with Tamworth Borough Council to deliver a 'shared waste and recycling service'.

Both authorities have extolled the virtues of the merger as economical, efficient and better for the environment.

But firm details as to exactly how the scheme will work, how much money will be saved and any upheaval in collection days have yet to emerge.

"The new shared service will be far greener," said Councillor David Smith, leader of Lichfield District Council.

"By working together we'll cut carbon emissions by around 100,000kg each year, reduce the miles our trucks travel, and save up to 38,500 litres of fuel every year.

"We'll also be better placed to respond to emergencies, such as bad weather and pandemic sickness.

"Above all, we're confident the new service will deliver better value for money, be kinder to the environment, and help boost the amount of waste we recycle."

But there has been no response from Lichfield District Council over a statement this week from a Tamworth Borough Council spokesman.

That announcement apparently confirmed that, after the merger, refuse collections in Lichfield would be limited to the end of the week; pick-ups in Tamworth would only take place on days at the start of the week.

"When we launch the shared service, people will still receive their normal collections, however their collection day may change," added Cllr Smith.

"As soon as we have confirmed our plans, we'll send out a new bin collection calendar to all homes to help people get ready for any changes to their collection day.

"We are very grateful to local residents for helping us to make our service even greener, and we'll try to make the change as smooth as possible."

Tamworth's bin collections are currently out-sourced to contractor Veolia, whereas Lichfield district is served by the council's own in-house waste and recycling team.

It is understood that, under the new arrangements, all staff will be employed by Lichfield but the service will be managed and run jointly between the two councils.

Tony Goodwin, Tamworth Borough Council's deputy chief executive, said he expected annual savings of around £450,000 thanks to sharing with Lichfield.

"Councils face constant pressure to constantly improve their waste and recycling services, which we take very seriously," he said.

"In the current economic climate this is surely responsible planning by the borough council, especially at a time when all local authorities are facing reductions in financial support from central government.

"While the new service will take in a much bigger area, we are working to make sure it is an easy transition with as little disruption to residents, the environment and traffic.

"We will constantly monitor and review this as the service is rolled out."