All systems go for improved SKDC wheelie bin collection

Every household is likely to see a change either to their collection day – or to the time of day their bins are emptied.

The change is expected to take place in September, with every household to receive a personalised letter through the post giving full details of the changes for their address.

More than 80,000 bins across 465 square miles will be emptied through 75 newly-designed rounds.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “The current rounds are out of date.

“As more new houses are added to the rounds, it gets harder and harder to provide the level of service residents expect. The mileage is too high and crews are forced to cris-cross the district instead of focusing on one area at a time.

“There are around 5,000 more homes in South Kesteven today than there were in 2012. Each of these has their own set of bins that need emptying. We face rising demand without rising money.

“We also know that the current set-up creates a risk for collections, where roadworks, bad weather or a breakdown can leave whole streets without their collection – and this needs to change.

“Rather than buy extra vehicles to patch up the system, we have decided to ‘zone’ the rounds to make the journeys make sense. This means that residents’ bin days will change. This also means we can futureproof the service and be able to proactively work the growing housing estates and heavier bins.

“This will be a resilient, modern, higher-quality service that will be better value for money.

“I know many people in South Kesteven have never had a change to their bin day. We are working hard in the office and among our collection crews to make this change as straightforward as possible for everyone. Every address will get information through the post, and we will have an information campaign about the changes running all summer.   

“We know this change will take some time to get used to and there will be teething issues. We will work with residents and will use a commonsense approach to any worries or problems when the new rounds start in September.

“I am genuinely sorry for this disruption. But I know it will be worth it.”

There will be fewer, longer collection rounds, which will be completed more quickly due to the re-mapping, giving more flexibility for staff to work as a wider team within their zone.

The restructure also links into SKDC’s carbon ambitions outlined since it declared a Climate Emergency, and its vision to see waste as a resource and encourage less waste to be generated overall.

More information will be shared in due course via the SKDC website www.southkesteven.gov.uk and its social media channels www.southkesteven.gov.uk/getsocial