Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is deeply concerned about the new recycling and waste system which is set to be introduced in Denbighshire in June, with non-recyclable waste collected only every four weeks, instead of fortnightly.

The same system was introduced by Conwy County Council several years ago and is still hugely unpopular with residents.

Commenting, Darren said:

“I appreciate that Denbighshire County Council is keen to encourage recycling, but they are going the wrong way about it. I am very concerned that the changes will lead to fly-tipping, and an increase in pest control problems.

“When these changes were introduced across Conwy, residents were up in arms, and even though the system has now been in place in the county a number of years, it is still incredibly unpopular.

“Bin collections every four weeks are just not acceptable, and residents rightly feel as though they are being ripped off by a Council which is cutting their services but not cutting their council tax bills to compensate them - in fact they are raising them significantly.

“We’ve got the great accolade of being one of the best performing recycling nations in the world, something of which I am very proud, and many homeowners and businesses have worked with local authorities to deliver those stunning results. But you have to take the public with you when you’re making significant changes to waste collection regimes, and sadly Denbighshire County Council have failed to do this.  

“They have put out a press release about the significant changes today, and for many residents this will be the first they will have heard about them.

“Residents were not asked for their views, instead this is yet another decision railroaded through by officers and Cabinet Members who think they know best.”

Darren, who led a campaign against the four weekly bin collection in Conwy, added:

“Reducing the frequency of bin collections is unlikely to improve recycling rates, it will just lead to problems with odours, litter, fly-tipping and pests which will inevitably cost Denbighshire County Council more.”