Bin collections mean end to Sunday lie-ins
Those fond of a long lie-in on a Sunday morning best make the most of things this winter as the council plans to move to seven days a week bin collections.
Councillor Andrew McGuire raised the issue during a meeting of West Lothian Council’s Environment PDSP when David Goodenough, recycling and waste services manager, outlined the move.
He said: “Do we anticipate there might be some kick back from members of the public who might be a bit disgruntled when a bin lorry comes down their street at 7am on a Sunday. I might hear some comments on.”
Mr Goodenough said: “Sunday is no longer a sacrosanct day of peace, quiet and birdsong unfortunately. Its one of those things. The world does operate seven days a week.
“Bin lorries can make some noise but the DPD guy can ring your bell or the Tesco delivery van come on a Sunday morning.”
The move to seven days operation will save £320,000.
A further £76,000 will be saved by a move to road end collections in rural locations. The plans are set to go before the council’s Executive next month and if approved will start in February next year.
Mr Goodenough explained consultations had already got underway with staff. The proposal will change shift patterns but protect job numbers, and actually boost take-home pay. “The financial impact on staff would be a positive one as the shift allowance payable would increase from the current 7.5 per cent up to 12.5 per cent per cent because of longer shifts”, a report to committee said.
Major cost savings come from a reduction in the number front-line vehicles needed.
The changes will be publicised in the next few months and new calendars issued. Provost Tom Kerr asked if collection days would keep changing. Mr Goodenough said that householders may see their collection day change but there would be no further changes.
“There will be two-way dialogue between ourselves and housholders,” said Mr Goodenough.