ePetition details

Dear Slough Borough Council and all concerned parties,

We, the undersigned residents of Slough, are reaching out with a serious concern regarding the recent alterations to our local waste management services. The newly implemented policy, which dictates an alternating fortnightly collection schedule for red and black bins, rather than our former weekly collection system, has become a point of significant distress for our community. This change has brought about numerous challenges and raised crucial health and environmental concerns that we believe require your immediate attention.

The new policy inadvertently allows waste to accumulate for twice as long as before, leading to a multitude of issues. Residents are increasingly troubled by the unpleasant odours emanating from the piled-up waste, the heightened potential for vermin infestation, and an unmanageable overflow of waste, especially in larger households. These problems, apart from being mere inconveniences, pose a serious threat to public health, while also disrupting the cleanliness and tranquility of our community.

Moreover, it is worth noting that this new policy could inadvertently incentivize littering and illegal waste disposal due to the lack of capacity to hold two weeks' worth of waste. This not only tarnishes the aesthetic appeal of our beloved town but also poses an escalating threat to local wildlife and the broader environment.

In our plea for you to reassess this policy change, we would like to draw your attention to the recently published guidance on weekly bin collections by the UK Government. Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles, in this guidance, debunks several misconceptions that have been used to rationalize the reduction in waste collection services' frequency. He further argues that weekly rubbish collections are among the most tangible services that residents receive in return for their Council Tax and that they rightfully deserve a thorough weekly service.

Mr. Pickles also emphasises that several local authorities, such as Bournemouth Borough Council, Lewes District Council, and Ribble Valley Council, have innovatively maintained weekly collections while also improving their recycling rates. This clearly indicates that it is possible to harmonize effective waste management with eco-conscious practices.

Given this context, we strongly believe that reverting to the weekly bin collection service is not only feasible but also in the best interest of our community. A weekly collection schedule ensures a higher standard of hygiene, aids in maintaining the cleanliness of our streets, provides a more manageable waste disposal system for households, and aligns with the governmental guidance and examples set by other local authorities.

We fully understand the complexities and pressures that the council faces, especially during these challenging times. However, ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment is a commitment that must not be compromised. Therefore, we respectfully request that the Slough Borough Council seriously revisit this policy change and consider reinstating the weekly bin collection service.

By signing this e-petition, we collectively lend our voices to this crucial matter. We wholeheartedly thank you for your attention and sincerely look forward to a positive response. Together, let us work towards ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally-friendly Slough for all residents.

This ePetition ran from 03/07/2023 to 31/08/2023 and has now finished.

2103 people signed this ePetition.