Weekly bin collections return

Weekly waste collections are set to be brought back to Wyre Forest – but the bins will be half the size as the old ones, it was revealed today.

Bin collectors Wyre Forest District Council controversially introduced fortnightly collections five years ago.

It led to a storm of protests from many people who said their wheelie bins became smelly and foul – and a few householders complained of maggots in their bins.

Council bosses now hope to re-introduce a weekly bin collection next year – but the new wheelie bin will be half the size. The existing bins will instead be used for recycling materials.

There will be extra costs to the council of at least £500,000 for buying and distributing the new bins. There will also be the cost of new vehicles – but the amount could not be confirmed today.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member for operational services said today the initial costs would be outweighed by the savings made as the new system will mean less trips to households.

At the moment recycling is collected separately to refuse – meaning a total of six trips a month. Under the new system refuse and recycling collections will be collected at the same time each week – making a total of four trips a month.

Mrs Onslow added: "The second bin would be 120 litre, which is half the size of the current standard wheelie bins.Both bins would be emptied each week, on the same day, at the same time, by the same vehicle."

It is hoped if the scheme meets approval it can be introduced at the end of 2009.