Labour councillors have made a bid to block a move from weekly to fortnightly bin collections.

On July 8, Watford Borough Council’s cabinet agreed to end weekly dry recycling collections for low rise properties, meaning houses and individual flats in blocks up to five as a cost cutting measure from October.

The decision was subject to a call-in period, meaning other councillors could request that the overview and scrutiny committee consider the idea as well and either ratify it or refer it back to cabinet for re-consideration.

Labour councillors Asif Khan, Nigel Bell, and Favour Ezeifedi confirmed yesterday (July 23) that they have done exactly that, on the grounds that there was “a lack of consultation with residents”, “insufficient exploration of alternative cost-saving measures”, and “a lack of detailed understanding of the broader impact”.

Both sides can make a case to the committee on Thursday (July 25) and if they refer the decision back to cabinet any members of the committee will be able to attend the new cabinet meeting.

Cllr Asif KhanCllr Asif Khan

Leggatts councillor Asif Khan said: “It is an awful decision. The council has failed to engage sufficiently with the community to understand the impact this change will have, particularly on larger families and areas with higher recycling needs.”

Labour argue that reducing collection frequency could lead to increased litter, improperly stored waste, and higher street cleaning costs which could negate the savings made.

“There has been no comprehensive review of other strategies that could achieve financial objectives with less disruption to residents," added Councillor Nigel Bell.

Under the new bin policy, households with four or more permanent residents will be entitled to request an additional 240-litre recycling bin. Those with a 140-litre recycling bin can swap it for a 240-litre recycling bin.

Residents will also be able to put additional side recycling out, if clearly marked or in a clear sack. Larger blocks of flats with six or more properties and those with access to communal recycling facilities are excluded and will continue to receive a weekly collection.

(Image: Watford Borough Council)

Cabinet member and Lib Dem councillor Tim Williams highlighted the strain on local government finances, with Watford’s funding being halved over the last 10 years, saying the council cannot just carry on as usual and “have had to look at delivering services differently”.

He raised the potential financial and carbon savings through added efficiency, “by ensuring that bins are full when they are collected.”

The Stanborough councillor said: “Residents in Watford are great at recycling, the introduction of weekly food waste and fortnightly waste collections in 2020 helped push Watford into the top 20 per cent of recycling performance in England.

“The proposed change in October is about less frequent collections but not less recycling," he added. "The proposal is currently going through the council’s decision-making process however if approved, information will be sent out to all residents well ahead of this.

“Street cleaning services form part of our services with Veolia and this is unaffected by any change to the recycling collection frequency.”