Residents of North Somerset are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to black bin collections.

North Somerset Council has now opened a seven-week consultation, starting today, March 18.

It focuses on plans to move to three-weekly collections of non-recyclable rubbish.

The council hopes the change will curb waste, increase recycling rates and cut costs.

The council currently spends about £5 million per year disposing of black bin rubbish.

A recent waste analysis discovered that almost half of black bin contents from local households could have been recycled.

Proper recycling of these items would have helped generate income for essential local services.

Weston Mercury: It focuses on plans to move to three-weekly collections of non-recyclable rubbish

Cllr Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for waste, said: "We want to create a thriving and sustainable North Somerset.

"We know many people are enthusiastic about recycling as much as possible every week and many others don’t fill their black bin all the way to the top, so they could adapt to a three-weekly bin collection."

"With the proposed change, treating and disposing of black bin rubbish costs about £130 per tonne, while weekly separated kerbside recycling collections, which result in a high-quality recycling material, can generate income of about £30 per tonne," added Waite.

The decision to change collection frequency is also in line with North Somerset Council’s Recycling and Waste Strategy.

This strategy aims to lower non-recyclable rubbish amounts and achieve a 70 per cent recycling rate by 2030.

However, Ms Waite acknowledged that the change might not suit everyone: "Three-weekly black bin collections may not work for some households, which is why we are holding this consultation.

"We need everyone’s feedback to understand how the proposed changes might work, particularly any concerns about storing and dealing with waste between collections."

The consultation is open until midday on May 7.

Residents can participate by completing the online questionnaire at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved, with in-person information events organised throughout April.

Other local councils such as Somerset, East Devon, and Mid-Devon have already successfully transitioned to three-weekly non-recyclable rubbish collections, achieving waste reduction, improved recycling rates and financial savings.

Ms Waite added: "Not only will the proposed changes save council tax payers’ money, but it will also help protect our environment.

"We can only consider feedback received through the questionnaire, so please complete yours by midday Tuesday 7 May 2024, and make your voice heard."

The council will base its final proposals for a three-weekly black bin collection service on the consultation results, with a decision due in the summer.