Food waste collections set to be scrapped in Sandwell
Slop bucket collections across Sandwell could be binned under new proposals, it has been revealed.
Collections take place at 120,000 homes on a weekly basis in the borough, along with household waste and recycling.
But now Sandwell Council is considering axing the service in a bid to save roughly £600,000 per year.
Bosses at the authority have said the move is one of a “number of options” being discussed as they await government guidance.
A report to the economy, skills, transport and environment scrutiny board said: “A number of local authorities are making the decision to discontinue food waste collection services on primarily cost grounds.
“Consideration was given to the cessation of food waste collection from within the borough.
“This would result in a saving of approximately £600,000 per annum in collection costs.
“It is not yet known if future government strategy will require mandatory food waste collections or recycling by local authorities or how these collections will be required to be made.”
Currently, residents in the borough put out their slop bin for their weekly collections on Tuesday.
But the move, if it goes ahead, would see the kerbside and kitchen containers unused – with food waste instead being put in the household waste bin.
It would see the borough follow in the footsteps of Wolverhampton Council which made the cut last year to save an annual £500,000.
Other plans discussed by bosses could see alternative weekly collections – or a “subscription service” – for food waste.
Bosses say they are waiting further guidance from the Government and have drawn up a number of proposals, which will be considered at the time.
Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for environment at Sandwell Council, said: “The information contained in the report to scrutiny board highlights a number of options for consideration as or when further guidance from central government is received in relation to the policy ‘Our Waste Our Resources – A Strategy for England’.
"At present Sandwell Council is committed to maintaining the food waste collection service for the benefit of our residents.”
