‘It’s been a long time coming’ but Redditch residents may soon get a garden waste bin collection – as long as they are willing to pay for the service.
Councillors unanimously agreed a garden bin collection was something long overdue in Redditch – and something many residents could benefit from – at a meeting of the borough council’s executive committee on Tuesday.
The council-run service is expected to start in 2018 and will consist of 20 collections on alternate weeks from March to November, for a yearly charge of £45, alongside a one-off, set-up fee.
The first 1,000 customers who sign up will only have to pay a £10 set up fee – compared to £20 charge thereafter.
A council spokesperson said: “The set-up fee is intended to recoup some of the initial costs such as taking customer details, administering Direct Debit, bin procurement and bin delivery costs.
”The £45 fee per season equates to 20 collections at £2.25 which is the cheapest available when compared to other authorities across Worcestershire.
“Whilst we would love to provide all of our residents with a free garden waste service, it is not financially viable.”
Online market research saw 74 per cent of residents responding positively to the idea of the scheme, with comments such as “It’s been a long time coming.” and “A great idea and one I’ve been looking forward to.”
With the introduction of new bins, the Orange sack service, currently used to get rid of garden waste, will be stopped.
The proposal will now go before Full Council for approval before people can sign up for the scheme.
Neighbouring Studley and Alcester already have a garden waste collection service in place, free of charge and all year round.
