Fortnightly rubbish collections may be introduced in Eastbourne

The council says the move is vital to boost recycling and cut carbon emissions.

If given the go ahead, alternative collections could begin in April with rubbish being collected one week and recycling the following week.

A decision is due to be made by Eastbourne council’s decision making cabinet committee next week.

Eastbourne is one of only a handful of local authorities in the country which still offers weekly collections of waste.

Jonathan Dow, the cabinet member for climate change and chair of South East Environmental Services Limited, the company which delivers Environmental First on the council’s behalf, said the government recycling target for local authorities in 2020 was 50 per cent – the current rate in Eastbourne is 35 per cent.

Councillor Dow said evidence shows that in many towns where councils collect on an alternate weekly basis - one week refuse, one week recycling - residents recycle more of their household rubbish.

He said, “Having declared a climate emergency and committed to becoming carbon net zero by 2030, the council also wants to reduce the emissions from bin lorry journeys around the town and improve air quality.

“We’ve completed one of the most extensive consultation exercises ever undertaken in Eastbourne, asking residents for their views about waste and recycling and that feedback has been invaluable in shaping the plans being considered.

“The council is determined to increase recycling and by looking at other local authorities, including our close neighbours in Wealden, there is clear evidence that fortnightly collections will encourage people to take a more active role in recycling.”

With pressures on every council budget in the UK as a consequence of tackling the Covid-19 pandemic, a potential change to alternate weekly collections will also save more than £200,000 a year in Eastbourne, according to a report on a consultation held with residents.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, the cabinet member for place services, said the move could end up saving up to £250,000 a year.

He said, “Any change in the way our refuse and recycling service is delivered would not begin before April, allowing us plenty of time to share information with our residents about how it would be organised.

“It is clear that we must increase recycling in Eastbourne and if we can reduce carbon emissions at the same time, and save money, this is an opportunity that I know many people will not want to miss.”

In the consultation carried out last year, almost 1,600 residents responded.

Many of those consulted expressed concerns about hygiene, mess, smell or vermin and bins being too full or overflowing.