Backlash against new wheelie bins in Colchester
Residents say they did not want the new bins
A roll out of new wheelie bins in an Essex city has been met with an angry backlash from residents. Colchester residents say many did not want new wheelie bins or support the plans by Colchester City Council.
They worry about smaller bins “not fit for use” and are demanding a change of plan. But council bosses say 3,886 joined the consultation, 83 per cent were in favour and five expressed concerns about wheeled bins.
Sally Charles, 61, said: “What happens for houses with no where to keep wheelie bins? It’s going to look awful and be difficult for people using wheelchairs, walking aids and pushchairs with the paths full of bins. I am also worried about how one wheelie bin load can not accommodate all the recycling, particularly cardboard.”
Stuart Potter, 66, raised concerns about “such a small proportion of residents” taking part in the consultation process. The grandfather-of-three added: “It is clear from the comments on social media about pavement assessments that little disregard is going to be given to those of us who don’t have easy rear property access. It will just create an eyesore if the only option is on a driveway or front garden.” He said it should be appealed and reversed.
It will begin from June 1, with new bins delivered to homes and the roll out will take around nine months. Each house will get two wheelie bins, a black one for general rubbish, and a green bin for mixed recycling – paper and card, plastics, tins and cans.
Bella Davis, 71, added: “I think the stuff about increasing recycling is a bit of a myth. We need it made easier to dispose of our rubbish. It will look like bin city, with pavements and roads full of them. Unfortunately, the bins are coming regardless of what local communities want. The May elections are going to be interesting.”
A council spokesman also said consultations are not a poll or public vote. They added: “Introducing a standardised collection system across Colchester will make the service more efficient and better suited to a growing city.
“It will also improve safety for our crews and help reduce ripped sacks and litter, creating cleaner streets for everyone. Bins will only be rolled out to properties that are suitable, in line with our Waste Collection Policy. Where a property is not appropriate for wheeled bins, residents will remain on the non-standard sacks service.”