Refuse and recycling saves £1.8M

Date:  02 December 2009

Executive Committee agreed on Monday evening (30 November) that refuse and recycling services will remain in-house for the next seven years as a result of savings made.

The Council’s in-house refuse and recycling team have saved tax payers nearly £1.8M since they won the contract in 2002. In reaching its decision, the Executive also considered the results of a recent Government survey which found that residents in the district had the highest satisfaction with recycling in Hertfordshire and one of the best recycling rates in the UK.

Cabinet Member for Public Services and Health, Cllr Phil Brading, said:

"We are taking a common sense and practical approach. More than 80% of residents are satisfied with recycling and refuse collection. In addition, we have been, and are continuing, to save money through increased efficiency.

"The added advantage of providing services in-house is that we can develop services more quickly. I’m delighted that we have now begun providing recycling litter bins and we hope to increase the range of materials we can recycle very soon."

The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a weekly collection for rottable waste.

The Council proposes to make further savings over the next three years.