The metropolitan borough is now hoping that its residents will seek alternate disposal methods for the items, which would possibly see their life extended. Councillor Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for the environment, said that in the past bulky collections had often yielded working equipment.
” Sandwell has had to introduce a charge for the collection of bulky or extra rubbish to help combat escalating costs. “
– Cllr Mahboob Hussain, Sandwell MBC
“I hope the introduction of this charge will encourage residents to produce less waste or find alternate uses for usable furniture and bulk household items,” he said.
He also added that residents can still take their waste to the council's household waste and recycling centres, where it would be dealt with free of charge.
Charges
Charges for the household collection service will range from 11.75 to 35.25 according to the number of items that need collection. The lowest rate will be charged for one bulky item and up to 10 bags, while the highest cost will cover the collection of eight items and up to 10 bags.
The service had been free of charge until now, with residents able to book collections throughout the year. Charges were introduced by the council from the beginning of this month.
Costs
Cllr Hussain said: “Sandwell has had to introduce a charge for the collection of bulky or extra rubbish to help combat escalating costs.
“Other Black Country local authorities have charged for this service for some time and we have introduced a range of charges so that residents only pay for what they need to be collected,” he added.
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Sandwell is now suggesting that residents donate their bulky items to local charities, sell them through free ads or the internet or simply pass them on to family and friends.
The council had a recycling rate of 9% in 2003/04, it has a target to recycle 18% in 2005/06.
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