Weekly bin collections return after backlash

Weekly waste collections have returned to a borough after a controversial scheme was scrapped.

Fortnightly black bin days and a new recycling system were introduced by the Conservatives on Basildon Council in November 2023.

However, when Labour assumed power of the Essex authority last May, councillors vowed to abandon the new-look service after backlash.

"We have listened and we are now delivering on our promise," said Aidan McGurran, cabinet member for environment and leisure.

About 8,000 people responded to a consultation on the waste collection, with 73.2% calling for the weekly rota to return.

McGurran said: "At the start of this administration we committed to fixing the bins and that is exactly what we are doing."

Under the previous rules, residents had to split their rubbish and recycling into six different sections, with refuse collected fortnightly.

They still have to split their recycling across multiple bags, but black bin collections are weekly and the use of sacks for some recycling has been abandoned.

Kevin Blake, the Conservative councillor responsible for waste enforcement in November 2023, had argued the scheme would "encourage more recycling".

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