East Renfrewshire will see changes to its brown bin collections as part of a cost-saving measure to save £350,000. Following a council meeting, councillors have opted to transition to a fortnightly brown bin collection service beginning next year.
The current garden waste permit scheme, now in its fourth year, provides permit holders with 50 weekly collections of food and garden waste throughout the year for an annual fee of £52.20. While food waste collection will continue as a statutory service without the need for a permit, the frequency of brown bin collections is set to be reduced.
In a bid to make cost-effective changes, councillors have approved the shift to a fortnightly collection schedule, aligning East Renfrewshire with neighbouring areas. The move aims to address the significant budget challenges faced by the council, with a projected shortfall of £15 million for the next financial year.
By reducing brown bin collections to fortnightly, the council anticipates saving around £350,000, which will contribute to the overall savings required. The decision was made to allow sufficient time for the new collection schedule to be implemented by next May.
Residents who do not require garden waste collection have the option to use their brown bins for food waste only, and additional permits can be purchased for those who need them. Despite the changes, there will be no increase in the cost of permits for the upcoming year.
Council leader Owen O’Donnell highlighted the need for tough decisions to address the financial challenges, emphasizing the council’s commitment to finding solutions while maintaining transparency and consensus among members. The measures are part of a broader effort to manage the budget effectively and deliver services to the public amidst financial constraints.
Overall, the decision to adjust brown bin collections in East Renfrewshire reflects a proactive approach to managing resources and navigating financial challenges while striving to provide essential services to the community. By implementing cost-saving measures and fostering transparency in decision-making, the council aims to address budget shortfalls effectively and ensure the sustainability of services in the long term.