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‘No one voted for this’: Plans to axe weekly bin collections in Basingstoke and Deane slated by opposition councillors




A plan to switch bin collections from weekly to fortnightly has been condemned by opposition councillors who say no one voted for it.

On Tuesday next week, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s coalition cabinet committee will vote on plans to shake-up waste collections from September 2026 – two years’ time.

Basingstoke and Deane Council’s cabinet will be asked to vote on plans to introduce food waste collections, while reducing the frequency of general waste collections to fortnightly Picture: iStock
Basingstoke and Deane Council’s cabinet will be asked to vote on plans to introduce food waste collections, while reducing the frequency of general waste collections to fortnightly Picture: iStock

Currently, recycling and general waste are picked up from doorsteps on a weekly basis.

But this could all change as the council prepares to implement new government directives aimed at standardising waste collections across the country.

The opposition party said the proposals were not raised by the Lib Dems in their local election campaign, there had been no consultation with residents and will come as a complete shock to them.

The cabinet will also be asked to extend Serco’s contract, held jointly with Hart District Council, to collect waste for another eight years from October 2025.

The first part of the proposal would see food waste collected separately.

The collections, comprising plate scrapings, peelings and food past its use-by date, would be taken to specialist plants and turned into green energy, such as biogas and fertilisers.

The new contract will, the council hopes, see recycling collections include plastic pots, tubs and trays and food and drink cartons, as well as glass, paper and cans.

As a result, it is expected the amount of waste will be reduced by a third, and recycling rates will be increased from 29% of all rubbish to 52%. It is currently 269th out of 317 local authorities, and fourth from bottom in Hampshire.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s cabinet member for residents’ services and housing, Laura James (The Independent Forum, Norden Basingstoke & Deane), said they were responding to demands from residents.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s coalition cabinet committee will vote on plans to shake-up waste collections from September 2026
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s coalition cabinet committee will vote on plans to shake-up waste collections from September 2026

“When combined with Hampshire County Council’s plans to increase what can be recycled, including many more plastics, this would boost recycling and mean very little will need to go to waste in the grey bin,” she said.

“All of these changes will give us the opportunity to redesign the weekly collection service. Weekly collection of food waste addresses issues around smells and food attracting animals to bins.

“We can then consider the most efficient, value-for-taxpayers’ money waste collection service, alongside our cross-council commitment to cut carbon under our unanimously agreed climate and ecological emergency declarations.”

But Conservatives warn it will lead to overflowing bins that will be an eyesore and a public health risk.

Councillor Sean Dillow (Kempshott & Buckskin) said: “Many families, especially those with young children or elderly members, do not have the space to store two weeks' worth of rubbish. This will lead to bin overflow and potentially hazardous conditions on our streets.

“It's crucial to balance environmental goals with the practical and social implications of such a significant change.

“The council needs to ensure that this decision does not adversely affect the quality of life for borough residents."

The Conservatives are calling for the council to instead launch pilot schemes in specific areas and hold community engagement sessions.

"No one voted to stop weekly bin collections in the May local elections,” said Conservative group leader Simon Minas-Bound (Sherborne St John and Rooksdown). “This decision has been made without proper consultation with the residents who will be most affected by it.

"Residents deserve a say in how their services are managed. We call on the council to engage with the community and respect the democratic process.”



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