Following a number of resident queries, the Council has set out below the background to the work it has been undertaking to reduce the number of unauthorised duplicate (maroon) waste bins across the borough. These bins are used to dispose of general waste – that cannot be recycled including polystyrene, plastic wrappers and nappies.
Here is the full background:
How many bins are homeowners entitled to?
Each household in Knowsley is entitled to one maroon bin per household for residual waste. Anyone able to evidence that they are living in a larger household with 6 or more people or those who may have additional medical waste are eligible to have more than one maroon bin.
In addition, each household will have one grey bin for comingled recycling. Given the benefits of recycling and the targets set by Government, residents are permitted to have one additional grey bin – should they wish.
Households also have a blue bin for garden waste and a smaller grey caddy for food waste.
You can find out more about what can go in each bin here.
Why does the Council get to decide how many bins people have?
Every Council has a statutory duty to arrange and manage the collection of household waste in their area. ‘How’ they do this is the Council’s decision to make.
Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act places responsibility on the waste collection authority to specify:
- the number of receptacles;
- the size and type of receptacles;
- what waste may be placed within them; and
- how waste should be presented for collection.
In Knowsley (and most other local authorities) the Waste Collection Policy allocates one bin per household for residual waste.
Where a household can prove it meets certain criteria (larger households of 6 or more and those with additional medical waste) an additional bin can be provided.
Knowsley is not unique in this approach and many other local authorities (including those in the Liverpool City region) operate a similar system.
Why are the Council taking people’s bins?
After looking at data from waste collection rounds, it became clear that there were around 11,000 properties in Knowsley identified as having an additional maroon bin. With some households having as many as 8!
Whilst many properties have a legitimate reason for having more than one maroon bin, this was not the case in all situations.
Why does this matter to the Council?
If all the properties identified presented even one extra bin, that needs an additional 16 refuse collection loads per fortnight which results in 160 tonnes of additional waste every two weeks and an average 4,000 tonnes more waste per year.
Residual waste in Knowsley is processed through Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities – a service the Council pays for. For the additional waste outlined above this was costing the Council more than £500,000 per year in disposal costs.
Alongside this, these extra collections were putting additional pressure on waste crews and doing little to support efforts to boost recycling and protect the environment.
What did the Council decide to do?
To address the issue and enhance the effectiveness of its waste collections the Council made the decision remove as many duplicate (maroon) bins as possible where households had no legitimate reason (in line with Council Policy) to have them or where they had not provided evidence to demonstrate the need.
Did the Council complete any assessments to understand the potential impact of this approach?
Yes. The Council has fully considered its duties under the Equality Act 2010 and the impact of this initiative on residents. The Council also consulted with other local authorities who had already done the same.
The policy still allows for households with disabilities, medical conditions and other qualifying circumstances to apply for additional waste capacity.
Did the Council engage with residents about this?
Yes. Rather than just removing bins with no warning, in June the Council’s Recycling Engagement Team began proactively engaging with households presenting more than one maroon bin. This engagement is ongoing and some homeowners will yet have been contacted.
During these conversations the officers explain the circumstances in which a household could have more than one bin – larger households of 6 or more people or homes with medical waste.
If there is no legitimate reason (in line with the Council Policy) for a household to have multiple bins the Council will remove additional bins at that point. If householders aren’t home, a ‘contact us’ letter is posted to the property explaining the next steps and giving residents 14 days to apply for additional capacity. This approach presents everyone with an opportunity to update their information before any further action is taken.
What happens after a household is contacted about this?
If households with more than one residual waste bin do not provide the information requested within 14 days the additional bin will be removed and waste crews instructed not to empty unauthorised additional bins that are not recorded on the collection schedule. There will not be capacity available on the rounds to collect the waste from these bins.
At the time of writing, we have recovered more than 300 bins and seen a marked decrease in the residual waste being presented for collection.
Is this purely a cost-saving exercise?
No. Whilst it is hoped that this will help to reduce the waste disposal costs the Council incurs, it also designed to improve recycling and ensure waste collection services are delivered fairly, efficiently and consistently across the borough.
Is the Council removing all second bins?
No. Where householders have provided the evidence required to demonstrate they meet the criteria their extra bin will remain. The Council has also updated its records to ensure this is noted on future collection rounds.
What if I have had my bin removed but I still need it?
Anyone with a legitimate reason (in line with the Council’s Policy) to have an additional bin, can have one. If a bin has been removed but a resident has evidence to show this is needed, they can complete a form online. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 0151 443 2400.
What if a resident believes their additional bin was previously approved?
Some historic approvals may not be reflected in current records so residents in this situation should complete the application process so their circumstances can be reviewed and records updated where appropriate.
What if people have paid for these additional bins?
Some people with additional bins may have made a one-off service charge payment for providing a new bin. This was not a payment for the bin itself or the associated collections.
Will this payment be refunded?
No. Any payment made was a service charge for providing a new bin. It was not for the bin itself. In most instances additional bins were only provided when residents reported their own lost or stolen or when moving into a new property.
Even if the cost of the bin was covered, in many cases householders have had multiple bins for many years and therefore it would not be reasonable to expect a refund many years later.
What happens to the bins that are collected?
All bins collected will be repurposed in part or full.
Why are people allowed more than one grey bin (recycling)?
All residents are encouraged to reduce waste wherever possible, reuse and then recycle. Every successful item recycled is another resource given a new life rather than being lost as waste.
This helps to protect natural resources, saves energy and cuts down on climate-changing emissions.
Local Council’s have a responsibility to encourage recycling not just because it is better for the environment but in order to meet the targets set by the Government. Currently in Knowsley the recycling rate is 28.5% (the national average is 44%) and we are required to get to 65% by 2035.
Where can residents go for help and support?
Anyone entitled to an extra maroon bin is allowed to have one. People simply need to complete a form online. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 0151 443 2400.
If you are struggling to make your household waste fit into one maroon bit, there is lots of advice about making the most of your recycling collections on the Council website. If you still need help reducing the amount of general waste, council officers are available to support you can support recyclingengagement@knowsley.gov.uk
If you have an additional bin and no longer need it, can request to have your bin removed. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 0151 443 2400 and we will arrange a collection.
What can residents do if they are still not happy?
Residents who are unhappy with the decision to remove an additional residual waste bin may utilise the Council’s Corporate Complaints Procedure and, if appropriate, pursue the matter through the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.