South Staffordshire District Council defends its fortnightly pick-ups

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles wants an end to the 'barmy' notion of not having weekly collections.

He has released a self-dubbed 'bin bible' as guidance for local authorities, which says it is a myth that councils cannot improve recycling rates without introducing fortnightly pick-ups.

Most councils in the Black Country and Staffordshire have weekly collections but South Staffordshire District Council said its fortnightly collections – introduced against fierce opposition some years ago – had proved to be a success.

Environmental services chief Mary Bond said at the time she was one of many dissatisfied residents who opposed the introduction of fortnightly collections, but that over time they had encouraged recycling.

"It's worked extremely well in South Staffordshire," Councillor Bond, of Wombourne South West Ward, said.

"It saves money going out every two weeks and the blue recycling bins have made everything a lot easier.

"People have a resistance to change but we've found that fortnightly collections encourage recycling. People know they can't put everything into one bin if they've got to keep it there for two weeks."

In Wolverhampton council bosses have pledged to continue weekly brown bin rubbish collections for the next five years.

Neighbouring Sandwell Council has recently reaffirmed its commitment to weekly bin rounds in the face of £100m cuts. Walsall Council stressed last year that weekly bin collections would continue, while Dudley and Cannock also have weekly pick-ups,

Mr Pickles has made weekly bin collections one of his top priorities for local government but critics have claimed he has put money for bins ahead of funding for libraries and museums.

However his brochure dismisses suggestions that the only way to save money is to extend collection times, insisting that 'innovative solutions' mean councils can protect weekly collections at little or no extra cost.

Mr Pickles said: "This Government is standing up for hard-working people and getting rid of barmy bin policies which made families' lives hell.

"Rubbish collections are the most visible service that people get for their £120 a month council tax bill. People deserve a comprehensive weekly service in return for their taxes.

"We have exposed 10 false fictions from fortnightly bin barons they cling to as excuses for cutting services.

"If councils adopt this new guide as their 'bin bible', they will be able to save taxpayers' money and still increase the frequency of collections."

South Staffordshire councillor Anthony Bourke dismissed Mr Pickles' suggestion and said: "A lot of people have been converted in South Staffordshire – fortnightly collections do work and when there's a strain on services you've got to get your priorities right."

In recent months council bosses in Wolverhampton have had a crackdown on recycling with workers checking rubbish to check whether the right items have been put out for collection.