UK Councils Consider Reducing Bin Collections, Leaving Streets Grubbier

Analysis by the Taxpayers’ Alliance

Stinky UK streets are set to get even grubbier as one in ten councils consider reducing bin collections. An analysis by the Taxpayers’ Alliance revealed that 42 town halls want to cut back on waste services in a desperate bid to save cash.

Changes in Collection Schedules

The think tank found that almost five million people could experience a change to their bin collection schedule, while more than 800,000 face having recycling services reduced to fortnightly or monthly. In some areas like Bristol, Carmarthershire, and East Ayrshire, councillors are weighing up changing residual waste pick-ups to once a month.

Debate Over Recycling Services

In North Ayrshire, Dundee, and Angus, debate is ongoing about shifting recycling to once a month. East Hertfordshire council is also considering reducing general waste collections from fortnightly to three-weekly and slashing bin sizes from 240 to 180 litres.

Future Plans for Bin Collections

From 2026, councils will be instructed to only hand out four containers, either bags or bins, to households and workplaces. This will include bins for non-recyclable waste, food waste mixed with garden waste, paper and cards, and other recyclable waste, in an effort to simplify the system and improve recycling rates.

Concerns and Criticisms

Joanna Marchong, investigations campaign manager of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, expressed concerns about the potential consequences of reducing bin collections, stating that residents may face challenges when the bin lorries don't show up and waste piles up. She urged town halls to focus on delivering the services that taxpayers pay for.