East Renfrewshire Council is considering a cost-cutting measure by reducing brown bin collections as part of a £350,000 budget savings initiative. The proposal involves changing the current weekly collection of brown bins to a fortnightly service while maintaining the annual charge for the service at its existing rate.
At present, the garden waste permit scheme, which is in its fourth year, offers permit holders 50 weekly collections of food and garden waste throughout the year for a fee of £52.20. Food waste collection, which is a statutory service, is collected from brown bins without the need for a permit. Most local authorities in Scotland either charge for garden waste collection or do not provide such collections, making East Renfrewshire the only council offering a weekly garden waste collection service.
According to a report to be discussed by councillors, the estimated cost of providing a weekly garden waste collection in 2025/26 is £1.9 million. Despite selling around 22,800 permits this year, the projected income from permit sales is £1.2 million, falling short by £700,000 from the operation cost. To alleviate the substantial subsidy for garden waste collections, the council is suggesting maintaining the £52.20 annual permit charge but adjusting the frequency of brown bin collections to a fortnightly basis starting in 2025/26.
This change aims to align East Renfrewshire with neighbouring councils and is expected to save around £350,000. The move comes amid significant financial challenges, with the council facing a projected budget deficit of £15 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Council leader Owen O’Donnell has previously highlighted that service cuts will be necessary to address the financial gap and maintain essential services for the public.
The proposal for fortnightly brown bin collections will be deliberated at the council’s meeting, and a decision is crucial now to implement the change by May. The permit system will remain optional, allowing residents who do not require garden waste collection to use their brown bins for food waste only. Additionally, residents can purchase extra permits if needed to dispose of more garden waste.
In summary, East Renfrewshire Council is contemplating reducing brown bin collections to a fortnightly service as part of a cost-saving strategy amidst financial challenges. The proposed adjustment aims to align the council with neighbouring authorities and is anticipated to generate savings of £350,000 to mitigate the budget shortfall projected for the upcoming fiscal year. The decision on this proposal will be made following discussions by councillors at an upcoming council meeting.