“Ask for more, give less!” Anger as council set to introduce three-weekly bin collection

Bristol Live readers have raised opposition to the news that council bosses believe that collecting black bins every three weeks will boost recycling rates. However, opposition councillors have raised concerns that the changes could pose an "environmental health risk", particularly for some disabled individuals.

The South Gloucestershire Council has finalised a new contract with waste company Suez, which could last up to 16 years. This contract includes tri-weekly black bin collections starting in 2026 and the ability to recycle soft plastics.

Recent data reveals that the district's residents currently recycle 57 per cent of their waste, a figure that has seen a recent decline. The new contract was approved during a meeting on Monday, November 11, with the belief that the three-weekly collections could enhance recycling rates.

Labour Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities, commented: "As we’ve come out of Covid, we’ve seen a change in people’s behaviour, and that’s why nationally there’s been a dip in recycling rates. By moving to three-weekly and by bringing in changes to our plastic recycling, we’re confident that we’ll move recycling rates up."

Commenter Ancientpolymath thinks: “Three-weekly bin collections will drive up fly-tipping and mean filthy streets for everyone.”

Marvin Farrier agrees: “Recycling and bin collections in Bristol are some of the worst in the UK! I've never lived or been to a city where there is so much rubbish in the road from overflowing recycling bins. I used to ride my BMX here when I first moved but I was getting punctures every other day because there is broken glass everywhere so I don't even bother anymore.”

6470 adds: “We are already unpaid sorters for the council, and now they are saying ‘we are not making enough money from recycling so we're going to force you to do more’.”

Filton stump complains: “The students where I live do not re-cycle at all, everything goes in their back bin. Why should I be victimised because of them?”

Tracey Anstey demands: “Return the bigger bins then. If you’re going to have three-weekly collections, then the council needs to return the older-sized bins. I recycle the majority of my rubbish and I still have a full bin every week.”

Kerry Kriel replies: “Same. I messaged the South Glos Council and they told me I couldn't be recycling everything as my bin should only be half full after 2 weeks. I have 2 full of plastic and one extra for the tins and glass and my cardboard in a bag. I'm literally jumping in my bin on a Monday morning, which is collection day to get one last bag in.”

Peter Matthews said: “We've had rubbish bins emptied every 3 weeks, for the last 4 years and there’s not been any problems. No increase in fly tipping even with having to book a time slot to use the recycling centre.”

Aste Knight disagrees: “Here in East Devon we only have 3 weekly collections and have done for a good few years now. You get used to it, but have to recycle everything you can or go to the recycling centre (18 mile round trip for us so try not to have to do that very often). Local fly tipping has certainly increased.”

Lola Fallupe is very unhappy: “Bristol council putting the health and safety of its tax payers at risk is disgusting. We’ll be living in filth with rats and foxes everywhere!”

Amanda Day asks: “Why do we pay our council Tax ??? We are getting less and less from the council.”

Whatrutalkin agrees: “Ask for more, give less!”

Do you think three-weekly refuse collections will work? Have your say in our comments section.