Liberal Democrats Support New Waste Collection Scheme

11.59.00am GMT Fri 17th Oct 2008

Cllr Gret Woodason welcomes the Borough's new proposals for recycling

Surrey Heath Liberal Democrats have come out in full support of the Borough's new waste collection scheme but are going to be watching costs very carefully.

The new scheme involves fortnightly collection of virtually all recyclables with other waste being collected the following week. Crucially, however, food waste will be collected EVERY week. The new scheme is due to 'go live' in September 2009.

"We have worked very closely with officers and all other Councillors in developing the new system," said Cllr Duncan Clark, Deputy Group leader of the Liberal Democrat Group. "The Waste Processing Working Group consisted of both Conservative and Liberal Democrat Councillors and worked very well in coming up with a scheme which gives the best of all worlds. Recycling rates will soar but the problems inherent in 'alternative weekly collection' have been avoided."

The Lib Dems sounded some words of warning, however, on the cost of the new scheme and the need for effective communication of the benefits of the new scheme to residents.

"With such high service levels," added Cllr Anji Patterson who represents Frimley Green, "the costs are hugely increased over the existing black bag system. Although these costs have been budgeted for and the County Council is making a contribution towards the scheme as well, the borough does not have a particularly good record when it comes to delivering new ideas on budget. We will be watching the finances very carefully as the project develops to make sure that the undertakings we have been given on costs are met."

The Lib Dems also believe that effective communication of the benefits of the new scheme is critically important.

"We have to get the message across to residents that this new scheme has huge benefits but inevitably there will be some concerns in a borough which has never used wheeled bins before," said Cllr Gret Woodason who represents Bagshot. "The needs of older people and those with disabilities will need to be handled sensitively. We hope that the Communication Plan which is developed will be robust and deal with every possible query that residents might raise."