With Denbighshire County Council’s new recycling system set to come into force from Monday (June 3rd), Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is warning residents to prepare for chaos.

The council is introducing a new trolibocs system, which includes new containers, weekly collections for recyclable materials, and 4 weekly collections for all other waste.

Since the change was first mooted, Darren has spoken out against the new system, having witnessed the problems it has caused in neighbouring Conwy where it has been operational for a number of years.     

He said:

“Much to resident’s dismay, this new system comes into force from Monday. I have read the hundreds of concerns already on social media and I expect there to be a lot more once it becomes operational.

"It’s going to be chaos and I expect the council will be bombarded with complaints from Monday.

“Like me, residents are bewildered as to why a cash strapped Denbighshire County Council would spend such a vast amount of money changing its recycling system, when it already had one of the best recycling rates in Wales.

"I know many elderly and disabled residents in particular are concerned about the new system and how they will manage to dispose of their recycling into the trolibox, the bottom two containers of which are very low to the ground.

“Others are rightly concerned about the monthly collection of non-recyclable waste which will lead to more fly-tipping, odours, problems with pests, and public health risks.

“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 unpopular.

“Bin collections every four weeks are just not acceptable, and residents understandably 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.

“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:

“Just last month a plan for ‘Simpler Recycling’ was announced for councils in England by the UK Government, with councils allowed to collect plastic, metal, glass, paper and card in one bin in all circumstances, in line with Denbighshire’s old system, and councils are being supported to introduce more frequent and comprehensive bin collections.

“I think it will only be a matter of time before Denbighshire County Council realise they have made a huge mistake.”