Row over bin uplift changes

An attempt from Labour councillors to block the award of recycling contracts so the public could have its say on waste changes has been thrown out, writes Jack Thomson, Local Democracy Reporter.

A row over the change to bin collection services - set to take place in November - broke out at Renfrewshire Council’s Finance, Resources and Customer Services Policy Board.

Elected members were looking to approve the award of contracts for treatment of recyclable materials after collection, when Councillor Alison Dowling voiced concerns over uplift changes.

A new bin will be provided for plastics, cans and glasses, while the blue bin will now be for paper and cardboard only.

Councillor Dowling said:“There’s been no public consultation regarding the policy change that contract is connected to.

“Given it’s such an important service, I think it’s staggering we haven’t had a full consultation.

“I’m not happy authorising contracts before the public have had a chance to say they want a change in services.”

Board convener Councillor John Shaw replied:“We are following through a Labour party policy from last year. That’s minuted.”

Councillor Dowling added:“I would argue we are not here to discuss who did what when.”

The Houston, Crosslee and Linwood opposition councillor then put forward an amendment, which recommended: “The finance board notes constituent concerns about the complexity of the new bin collections; issues of space at tenement flats; and hygiene issues around three-weekly changes, and calls for a full public consultation before proceeding with the proposed delivery changes.”

However, it was knocked back and the contract for plastics, cans and glass was given to Levenseat Ltd, while the one for mixed paper and cardboard was awarded to Regen Waste Ltd.