Replacement bin charges set to be suspended

Orkney Islands Council's Development and Infrastructure committee has recommended suspension of charging households from 1 April for replacement grey refuse bins in order to allow a review of the policy.

Following an increased number of complaints from the public, Elected Members requested that officers review operation of the charging policy in respect of replacement bins.

The Council introduced a charge of £25 for replacement grey (refuse) bins in summer 2019, with charges increasing 3% each financial year. No charge was introduced for replacement recycling bins, and new build properties are not charged for their first bin.

Charges for replacement refuse bins are commonplace across Scotland, with Orkney Islands Council's charges among the lowest, with charges listed on other council websites ranging from £35 to £76.

The recommendation made today (30 March 2021) was for the charging policy to be reviewed by the Council's Corporate Charging Consultative Group, and that findings be reported to the next available meeting of the Committee and include options in respect of the charges for replacement refuse bins.

Chair of the Council’s Development and Infrastructure Committee, Graham Sinclair, said: “Members have asked for a review of the policy we agreed in June 2019 to charge for replacement bins. This is in recognition of the concerns people in our community have expressed. We’ve agreed that a review should take place and it is only right that we suspend charging for bins while this is carried out. I hope this will be welcomed by members of our community.

“Meanwhile we’d urge householders to get in touch with us as soon as possible if they have a broken bin, for the safety of our crews.”

Today's recommendations will be subject to approval at the next Full Council meeting on 5 May.