New Green Bin Charges for Westmorland & Furness Towns
Residents in Eden and South Lakeland will now have to pay for their green bin collections starting April 1. Aligning with Barrow where a charge has been in place. This change, part of a council budget-saving initiative, has sparked a range of reactions from local people, many expressing concerns over the cost and the potential for increased fly tipping.
The council has confirmed that from June 29, only bins with a paid-up sticker will be collected, marking a significant shift in waste collection policy across Westmorland and Furness.
Details of the New Charges
The annual fee for green bin collection will be £60 per bin, with additional bins costing £25 each plus the £60 yearly charge. This represents a rise from the £51 charge previously applied in Barrow. The collections are scheduled between March and November, which has led some residents to question the fairness of the charge, especially during months when garden waste is minimal.
Community Concerns and Reactions
Many residents have voiced their frustration online, with some warning that the charge could encourage illegal dumping or fly tipping. Hazel Edwards described the price as “exhorbitant” and predicted an increase in fly tipping. Others, like Kevin Dover and Tony John, echoed concerns about waste being dumped in lay-bys or general rubbish bins.
Cost has been a major point of contention. Jackie Pennington called the charge a “rip off,” while Susie Hunt argued that such services should be covered by council tax. Janet Huitson highlighted that the service is not used year-round, and no discounts are offered for periods when the bins are not collected or used.
Mixed Opinions on Service and Value
Some residents, like Richard Curtis, expressed willingness to pay if it meant receiving free compost in return. However, others demanded greater transparency about how the collected waste is processed and recycled. Questions were raised about the environmental benefits and whether compost is made available to subscribers.
Reliability of the service was also questioned. David Hutton mentioned missed collections and suggested he might take his waste to the tip instead. Maureen Balding indicated she would not subscribe due to infrequent use, preferring to dispose of garden waste in general rubbish bags.
Council’s Position
The council stated that garden waste collection is not a statutory service, and charging ensures that only users contribute to its cost. The introduction of the charge forms part of a harmonisation programme initiated last September, aimed at standardising waste and recycling services across the region.
