Cllr Roodhouse seeks clarification over Council’s green bin policy

At a full meeting of Rugby Borough Council on 18 July 2017, Councillor Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group on Rugby Borough Council asked for clarification over the Council's green bin policy, which continues to cause confusion and frustration amongst residents.

Councillor Roodhouse asked:

"Could the Portfolio Holder clarify the Council's policy for collecting green bins from residents who do not want to participate in the scheme and don't wish to keep the bins?"

The Portfolio Holder for Environment & Public Realm responded:

"Any households who didn't wish to participate in the garden waste collection service and no longer required their green bins were asked to contact Rugby Borough Council contact centre. This was then passed to the works service unit who would arrange collection.

"Due to changes in management this has slightly slipped, the new Waste and Transport Manager has programmed this operation to commence at the end of July 2017 and is currently notifying all residents, who have previously contacted the contact centre".

Councillor Roodhouse then responded by saying there were mixed messages regarding this matter and he sought confirmation that there was a fixed timetable in place for the return of green bins.

The Portfolio Holder confirmed that there was a fixed timescale and that whilst it was regrettable that there had been some slippage she was pleased with how this matter had progressed.

At a meeting of the full Rugby Borough Council on 7 February 2017, Rugby Liberal Democrats tabled a motion which would have seen the green waste collection service continue for everyone for another 12 months whilst a solution was found for the sustainability and longevity of the service. This motion was not supported by Conservative and Labour Councillors and since April 2017 residents are charged £40 a year for a green bin.