Smaller black bins and separate food collections approved by Melton councillors
Smaller black bins and separate weekly food waste collections are among the changes which have been approved in a refreshed refuse policy by Melton borough councillors.
The standard capacity of new or replacement residual waste black bins in the borough will be reduced from 240 litres to 180 litres, which is the standard provision in many other local authorities
These smaller bins will be introduced gradually – residents in new-build homes will get the smaller bins as will those people who need to replace damaged or lost black bins
Existing households in the borough will retain their current 240 litre bins until a replacement is needed while those with specific needs, such as larger families or those generating higher volumes of hygiene waste, will be able to retain or apply for increased capacity bins.
An option to replace all the bigger black bins at once was discounted because it would have cost around £700k to procure and distribute new bins to every household.
Food waste collections are being championed by the government across the country and they will start – every week alongside existing refuse and recycling collections – from Autumn 2026 in Melton.
The council’s proposed new Household Waste and Recycling Collections policy would also provide for a new booking system being introduced for clinical waste sharps (needles), which is used by about 700 households per year and currently experiences a high rate of missed collections due to households not presenting their sharps boxes on their scheduled collection dates.
A new booking system will enable households to request a collection when required to improve efficiency of the service and reduce unnecessary costs.
The authority also wants to move away from providing rolls of waste sacks to communal properties where there is access to communal bins – this change and a new waste sharps booking system would save £10k a year.
Members of the council’s cabinet voted unanimously in favour of the changes at their meeting last week.
Councillor Margaret Glancy, portfolio holder for corporate governance, environment and regulatory services, said “It’s essential that we continue to review our services to ensure they meet government guidance, deliver value for money, and work for our communities.
"Supporting a clean and green borough remains a key priority for us, and it is pleasing that 82 per cent of respondents to the Leicestershire Waste and Resources Strategy consultation in 2022 agreed with the overall vision and pledges to reduce, repair and recycle wherever possible.
“Currently, 43 per cent of waste produced by households across the borough is recycled, and we thank our residents for their continued efforts to make our borough cleaner and greener.
"It is, however, necessary to find ways to reduce the waste that cannot be recycled.”
She added: "We have resisted a move to a reduced frequency of collections and will maintain the alternate weekly service currently offered.
"Instead, we are taking a pragmatic approach including a phased reduction in bin capacity and supporting and encouraging good quality recycling across the borough through communication, engagement and where necessary, enforcement.
“We’re committed to keeping residents informed ahead of any changes. Together, we can make real progress in protecting our local environment and reducing waste.”