New contract means new bin collection day for residents
A new money-saving waste collection contract will mean many residents across East Hampshire and Winchester will soon have a new bin collection day.
Winchester City Council and East Hampshire District Council have signed up to a new environmental services contract which will save more than £2 million a year across both councils.
As part of the deal new operator Biffa Waste Services has re-arranged collection routes to make them more cost-effective – and as a result many people’s collection day will now change.
Residents will soon receive a calendar confirming their new bin collection day and arrangements for the next 12 months.
The new contract begins on October 1 with new collection days introduced from the week beginning October 17. The same system of refuse and recycling collected in alternate weeks will continue.
Biffa Waste Services will be handling the collection of refuse and recycling while grounds maintenance and streetcare will be carried out by The Landscape Group.
The contract has been heralded as one of the most innovative of its kind, pulling together two councils and two companies across two contract areas.
Brian Turner from East Hampshire District Council who is the Joint Client Manager for the new contract used the opportunity of the changes to highlight the need for care when checking the information. “We know from experience that many residents almost set their clocks by their refuse collection arrangements and changes can often be hard to take on board immediately.
“Our key message to everyone is check the new calendars carefully to make sure that you are clear about any changes. A little time spent carefully reading the information in advance will avoid putting the wrong bin out for collection.”