Following the unpopular news of introducing booking appointments for Lanarkshire Recycling centres, there’s further developments on how we may be tipping our waste in future.
We have learned that South Lanarkshire Council are considering introducing a household charge of £45 per year for garden waste collections. At a recent meeting on 18th June of the Community & Enterprise Resources Committee, authorities agreed to take the decision on the proposals at this week’s executive committee.
Not everybody was in agreement and it comes at a time when there’s a push by Government to make all garden waste collections free in Scotland. If the new charge goes ahead, a new SLC project team to manage the design, implementation and roll out of the service would be needed. SLC would also plan on leasing new vehicles, buying new IT systems, and purchasing new bins.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council, added: “No final decision has yet been made on whether to introduce a fee for garden waste permits but the matter will be considered imminently by the Council’s Executive Committee.”
So, this is still very much up for debate, but of concern is the fact that disposal of waste is usually covered under existing council tax and introduction of a charge will almost certainly create further fly tipping. Another worry expressed by readers in messages to us this week, is the complete lack of any engagement with householders or the general public in these proposals.
We would strongly urge SLC to pause these proposals, delaying decision and engage with householders first through a general, public consultation.
