Consultation on future waste collections set to launch

Following the successful introduction of weekly food waste collections - and other recycling changes in Wirral that have significantly reduced the volume of non-recyclable waste needing to be collected - residents are being invited to share their views on plans to change the collection frequency of their green wheelie bins.

Wirral Council will shortly be launching a public consultation on proposals to move to a three-weekly collection of green wheelie bins for non-recyclable waste, as part of a wider review of the borough's waste and recycling services.

With food waste now being collected separately every week, previously every two weeks, many households will have seen that they are disposing of less waste in their green bin. Food waste, which can often be the main cause of smells and hygiene concerns, is no longer stored in green wheelie bins between collections. With less waste in the green bin, it is more efficient to empty it every three weeks.

The council, along with many other authorities, is under pressure to increase recycling rates in response to national objectives and reduce the volume of waste sent for disposal. A review of waste services is therefore necessary to ensure service standards can be maintained alongside the need for cost savings across the service.

As part of its review, the council has considered a number of alternative options, including replacing every household's green wheelie bin with a smaller bin for non-recyclable items, while keeping the current collection schedule. However, replacing all the household bins across the borough would involve significant costs and service disruption. 

The proposed move to three-weekly collections is the most cost-effective option to explore, helping to make best use of public money while continuing to provide a reliable waste service and support increased recycling. 

The proposal is expected to save around £1.2m a year in collection costs and avoid significant added costs associated with the disposal of non-recyclable waste.

At this stage, no decision has been made. Residents' feedback – their comments, ideas and suggestions - will play an important role in informing future reports and recommendations ahead of a final decision by councillors in 2027.

The proposals would affect approximately 142,000 households in Wirral that receive a green wheelie bin collection. Properties that use sacks or communal bulk waste bins would not be affected.

If three-weekly collections are approved, the changes will be introduced in phases across Wirral. Residents will be told well in advance about their new collection arrangements and extra support would be available for households that need help to recycle more.

Assisted collections that currently take place and any future new requests, would continue for residents who need them.  

As is currently the case, if you fully recycle but have medical waste, more than six people in your household, or two or more children using disposable nappies, and have too much non-recyclable waste to fit in your green bin, residents would still be able to apply for a larger green bin.  

The council will work closely with vulnerable residents and any groups who may be disproportionately affected by the proposals. Support, guidance and information will be made available in accessible formats and through in-person engagement where needed.

There are no proposed changes to grey wheelie bin recycling collections, weekly food waste collections or brown bin garden waste collections.

Residents can take part in the consultation online between 14 October and 24 November.

To have your say and find out more, visit https://haveyoursay.wirral.gov.uk/future-waste - active from 14 October.