Laura Sharman 09 February 2021

Councillors warn standardised collections will result in waste and recycling charges

Councillors warn standardised collections will result in waste and recycling charges image

Residents may be forced to carry the cost of introducing standardised waste and recycling collections in England, a survey of local councillors has warned.

The survey, commissioned by BECG, found 71% of councillors believe the move would lead to additional costs or chargeable services for residents.

Councillors said the biggest challenges being faced was confusion among residents about materials can be recycled and how to manage housing differences.

Just over half (52%) of councillors surveyed said standardising collections would increase recycling rates in their area, although 73% were confident their local authority would meet Government targets of recycling 65% of municipal waste by 2035.

Julius Duncan, BECG board director, said: ‘What is clear from these results is that while councillors are on balance positive about the changes the Environment Bill will bring, there will be challenges on the road to achieving Government’s targets.

’With the significant majority preparing for additional costs or chargeable services around standardised collections, Government will have to consider this additional burden for cash-strapped local authorities whose budgets have been squeezed even further during the pandemic.’

The standardisation of waste and recycling collections across England is a key proposal under the Environment Bill.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Housing Assurance Service Manager

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£55,675 - £56,649
We’re building a brand-new assurance team in our Homes & Neighbourhoods service Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Trainee Public Health Practitioner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£24,404 - £24,790
Working within the Kirklees Public Health Improvement team Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Climate Change Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£40,476 - £42,708
Are you a passionate and enthusiastic Climate Change Officer Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Transition Home Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £45,718 - £49,764 (Pay Award Pending)
Could you support young people to realise their individual potential and prepare them for their journey towards independence. NOT JUST A PLACE OF WOR Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SEND and Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker (Communication and Interaction Team)

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
We are recruiting a SEND & Inclusion Senior Specialist Support Worker to join our Specialist SEND & Inclusion Team. We would be particularly intereste Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner