Wirral Council's leader has publicly opposed her own authority's proposal to change bin collections in the borough. Cllr Paula Basnett has told the ECHO her "position is clear" on the controversial plans.
A public consultation on plans to collect green bins every three weeks is currently underway. In Wirral, green bins are used for general non-recyclable household waste and are currently collected fortnightly.
Reasons for the proposed change
The council said that following the introduction of weekly food waste collections, people are using their green bins less. The bins are also no longer being used to store food waste, which can cause smells.
In justifying the proposed change, the council also points to a £1.2m annual saving in collection costs the proposals would be expected to provide.
Public and political reaction
After the ECHO covered the proposals, residents have been sharing their views on the ECHO's Facebook page where comments have been overwhelmingly negative.
For example, Vicki Ackerley asked: "What about all the nappies and sanitary, adult nappies, products that can't go in food waste bin and only in the green bin? They still need emptying, three weeks is too long."
Concerns have also been raised by the Wirral Labour group, who are the largest group on the council. Labour runs a minority administration in Wirral, led by council leader, Cllr Paula Basnett.
The group is calling on Wirral Council to abandon the proposals and have launched a petition which states: "For many households, particularly families with children, larger households, and older or disabled residents who rely on regular collections, a three-weekly general waste collection service is inadequate and risks creating significant problems."
It adds: "We recognise the financial pressures facing local government, but we urge the council to explore alternative savings and efficiency measures before reducing a vital frontline service relied upon by every household in Wirral."
Leader's statement and council response
Cllr Basnett told the ECHO: "My position is clear. I am in favour of retaining fortnightly household waste collections and do not support proposals to move to three-weekly collections."
"I believe maintaining a reliable and regular waste collection service is important for our residents, and this is something I want to see protected."
On the proposals and public consultation, a council spokesperson said: "Wirral Council, along with many other authorities, is under pressure to increase recycling rates in response to national objectives and reduce the volume of waste sent for disposal. A review of waste services is therefore necessary to ensure service standards can be maintained alongside the need for cost savings across the service.
"As part of this review, the council has considered a number of alternative options, including replacing every household's green wheelie bin with a smaller bin for non-recyclable items, while keeping the current collection schedule. However, replacing all the household bins across the borough would involve significant costs and service disruption.
"The proposed move to three-weekly collections is the most cost-effective option to explore, helping to make best use of public money while continuing to provide a reliable waste service and support increased recycling. The proposal is expected to save around £1.2m a year in collection costs and avoid significant added costs associated with the disposal of non-recyclable waste.
"At this stage, no decision has been made. Residents' feedback – their comments, ideas and suggestions - will play an important role in informing future reports and recommendations ahead of a final decision by councillors in 2027."
