Fortnightly bin collections to be rolled out in Wolverhampton this month

The major overhaul of Wolverhampton's waste collection service has been branded 'woeful' by opposition councillors after just some residents were informed of the new collection date by the council today.

But the cash-strapped authority has claimed the switch - set to save Wolverhampton Council £2.4 million a year - is expected to be 'smooth'.

It comes after more than 80 per cent of Express & Star readers revealed they were against the new fortnightly pick-ups.

Leader of the opposition Councillor Wendy Thompson said: “The Labour council’s handling of one of the basic services that they provide has been woeful.

"At the same time as they are raising council tax, they’re cutting back on bin collections.

"Let’s be clear, this is the fault of Labour councillors who are completely incompetent at managing council finances.

“And it’s the residents of Wolverhampton who will lose out. Not only are their bin collections being reduced, but they will have to pay a garden tax if they want their garden waste collected. Under Labour, Wulfrunians are literally paying more for less.”

Information

The first set of information packs informing residents about the changes were due to arrive on doorsteps of some homes today.

The switch from weekly collections will be rolled-out in phases from October 22 - initially affecting properties in Fallings Park, Heath Town, Wednesfield North and parts of Wednesfield South, Bushbury South and Low Hill.

All houses - excluding flats and apartments - will have fortnightly collections by Christmas.

In an Express & Star poll earlier this year, more than 2,000 readers claimed they did not welcome the plans.

But council officers have since slammed fears less frequent collections will lead to rubbish overflowing into streets.

'Enough space'

Service director of city environment Ross Cook said: "We think, by the way it will be adopted and rolled out, we don't think there will be any problems. There is enough space in the bins to store waste for a fortnightly collection."

All residents should receive information packs by November 26, with households given a choice to continue using their smaller 140 litre brown bin or use the larger 240 litre green bin.

Garden waste collections will also stop and an optional £35-a-year service will start next February.

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: "We absolutely want to make sure the transition from weekly to fortnightly collections is as smooth as possible, and residents know what they need to do and when the new service begins for them.

“We understand that change can be daunting for people, and want to reassure residents that we’ve taken every possible step to make sure it’s as easy as it can be.

“It’s no secret that the council must make savings due significant budget cuts from central government and we're unable to keep services as they are. This is why the garden waste collection service will end when the new fortnightly collections begin.

“Only this month, we’ve seen bin collections being rolled out monthly across a Welsh county in order for the local council to make savings, showing the harsh financial situation for many local authorities - we are no different."