RURAL homes in Tameside are likely to see the regularity of some bin collections lessen to once every three weeks.
Investment to provide more bin trucks, crews and make use of in cab digital technology was approved by Tameside Council’s executive cabinet on Wednesday, January 29.
But in a report which was voted through, recommendations to extend the time between certain ‘green’ and blue bin collections were proposed.
In total, 900 properties in the borough sit on the ‘rural collection round’ and the document put to the cabinet put forward changes.
It states black bins will still be collected fortnightly but green and blue bins will now be gathered every three weeks, rather than every two.
Now it has been approved, people affected will be contacted by letter shortly informing them of these changes.
The paperwork adds: “All collections will take place Monday through to Thursday with no collections scheduled for Fridays.
“The proposed change would free up resources which could be used to provide weekly food waste collections to those properties and trade premises who do not currently receive such a service.”
Despite cabinet members insisting the investment of almost £2 million is a ‘good news story.’ Tameside Council’s report told of challenges facing the service.
It adds: “It is increasingly challenging to recruit and retain staff in our Tame Street depot workshop that services and maintains the refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) along with the rest of the council’s fleet.
“Work is ongoing with human resources on improving staffing retention. The RCVs are reaching the end of their life, typically eight years which means they are increasingly problematic.
“22 RCVs are due for replacement as part of the 2025/26 Vehicle Replacement Programme.”
Other changes were also proposed, including the 2,400 homes in Tameside that require additional or larger green bin being asked if they still require the service.
And any requests for additional residual waste capacity which result in an additional or larger bin would see the householder charged £26.50.
A scheme seeing ‘preloved’ bins from what is described as a ‘significant stock’ are offered to residents who require a replacement for £10 each.
At the cabinet meeting, Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for environ mental services and neighbourhood, said: “When our service is benchmarked against other local authorities, it’s excellent and is performing well.
“Due to growth in the borough, change in national policy and requirements for collections We needed additional resources.
“Our teams work so hard to deliver this service. We have excellent teams, crews who work hard day and night serving the residents of this community.”
And Emma Varnam, assistant director of operations and neighbourhoods, added her hopes the investment sees recycling rates improved, while admitting some areas lag behind.
She said: “This gives us an opportunity to invest and ensure recycling rates are improved.
“We’re really grateful to our communities that they manage their waste extremely well.
“There are some places where that doesn’t happen but in general, our residents do recycle extremely well and we want to enable them to do that more effectively.”