Mixed reaction to bin collection plan tweaks

Officers have said public feedback has been taken on board with several aspects of the original plan adapted as a result.

The new schedule, set to start in September, will see all bins switch to a three week rota apart from green bins, which will remain on a fortnightly schedule.

Council bosses say food waste should be placed into green bins to ease the strain on black bins, which are moving from a two week to three week collection schedule.

The reforms are expected to save the cash-strapped town hall £2m per year and council leader Lord Smith has said it will help keep council tax bills down.

However, residents remain sceptical about whether the schedule will work and fears about fly-tipping and increased rodent and pest problems remain.

Council bosses have also said they will allow a “bedding-in” period to allow people to adapt, meaning the missed bins policy will be relaxed after the changes are introduced.

Posting on Wigan Today, Julie Hughes said: “Think this is a joke, no way every three for black (bins), can’t cope now.

“Already got maggots in bins now, not fair, this is why we all pay our taxes.”

The council says the changes will stimulate recycling levels in the hope the current rate of 44 per cent will increase to 50 before 2020 to avoid fines.

Annmarie Frodsham posted: “Honestly, mine is never full after two weeks. My brown and blue ones are though.

“People, you should check you’re recycling properly - just a bit of advice, that’s all.”

However, Karen Whyte said: “There is no way most people can manage three weeks. So out goes my recycling because if my black bin is full, rubbish will go in the others. No way I’m having rubbish bags lying around.”

The town hall has said larger families or those with extenuating circumstances can apply for special dispensation or have a “waste audit” carried out by environment officers.

And an anti fly-tipping taskforce will be deployed to crackdown on waste crime across the borough.

Dylan Grimshaw posted: “Learn to recycle properly. Large families get special auditing for extra help. If it’s deemed you aren’t then you’re doing something wrong.”

Paul Barton, assistant director for environmental services, said: “We’re confident that everyone should be able to make the changes.”