MAJOR changes to bin collections across Worcester could be introduced as City Council chiefs seek to cut costs.
Councillors on the new Environment Commitee will discuss a host of options for the future of the service when they meet on Tuesday.
A total of six different options to improve the efficiency of the service will be tabled at the meeting, saving between £157,000 and £267,000 a year.
Among the options to be considered is a move away from the current system that sees the whole city have their black bins emptied one week and their green bins the next.
Instead, Worcester would be split into zones, with black bin collections in one area and green bins in another, in the same week.
The proposal has been suggested for approval by council officers and would deliver a saving of £244,000 each year.
Councillors will also be asked to examine a proposal to retain the current Tuesday to Friday green bin collection but move to a Monday to Friday collection for black bins in a bid to save £177,000 a year.
Other options on the table include using larger collection vehicles or increasing the number of days per week when waste and recycling are collected from four to five.
A proposal is also on the table which could see collections take place across six days a week with the city’s bin men working five days in a row before a day off.
However, council officers have recommended councillors do not pursue the option because of issues of working conditions for staff and potential increase in vehicle maintenance costs.
Environment Committee Chair Coun Joy Squires said: “Waste and recycling collections are an area where we’re confident we can make improvements to the service and also save money through greater efficiency.
“We need to find the option that balances the needs of our residents, the well-being of our staff and the wear and tear on our vehicles,” she added.
Vice chair Coun Alan Feeney echoed her comments and said emptying the bins was one of the most important services for the council.
“It is a lot more complex than people think, but we have an opportunity here to improve the service residents receive whilst also saving money for the local taxpayer.
“It’s vital that the committee considers all these options very carefully and makes the right decision.”
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