Households will not be forced to pay for a new wheelie bins if collection crews damage or lose it in Fareham borough
One of the biggest concerns raised was whether residents could be charged for replacement bins when they had been damaged or lost by collection crews
Households will not be forced to fork out for a new bin if collection crews damage or lose it.
Councillors gave the reassurance as they unanimously backed a new waste and recycling policy at an Executive meeting on November 2. The policy sets out the rules residents must follow when putting out rubbish and recycling, including when they could be charged for replacing a damaged or missing bin.
Cllr Ian Bastable said updating the policy was “well overdue” after several years of changes following the 2021 Environment Act.
The Conservative for Park Gate said the waste collection service was “absolutely fundamental” for residents and that the new policy would make clear what people can expect from the council.
The authority consulted residents on the proposals before they went before councillors.
Cllr Bastable confirmed that it was one of the most responded-to recent consultations undertaken by the local authority.
One of the biggest concerns raised was whether residents could be charged for replacement bins when they had been damaged or lost by collection crews. Cllr Bastable clarified that this cost would not affect residents’ purses.
He said: “Our residents can be reassured that that’s not the case.
“We have cameras fitted to our vehicles, so if we see evidence that we have damaged your bin in emptying it, the council will bear the cost of replacing the bin.”
Residents will only have to pay for replacement bins in circumstances where the council has not caused the loss or damage.
Cllr Malcolm Daniells also praised the StreetScene team responsible for carrying out collections.
The Conservative for Locks Heath said: “When I see them on a Monday morning for my bin collection, they always seem to be working hard and seem to be proud to be doing their job, which I am sure on some days can be quite disgusting and unpleasant.
“I am very much supportive of this policy, and I am glad we got lots of feedback to this consultation.”
Councillors unanimously approved the revised Domestic Waste and Recycling Policy.
The decision allows the council’s Director of StreetScene permission to make minor drafting or presentation changes before the final policy is published.