Birmingham's new council leaders have been urged to 'save' weekly bin collections and carry out a 'city-wide clean-up operation' by the Conservative group.
Call for Action
The Birmingham Conservatives want the new administration, a coalition of Liberal Democrats, Greens, and independents formed after last month's elections, to prioritize cleaner streets. Group leader Councillor Robert Alden has written to Lib Dem leader Roger Harmer and Green deputy leader Julien Pritchard, calling for immediate action to restore confidence in local services.
Coun Alden said: 'The Local Conservative Group want to see weekly bin collections retained as part of an effort to clean up Birmingham. That's what we campaigned on in the election.'
Bin Collection Changes
Major changes to bin collections were initially set to roll out this month, moving household rubbish from weekly to fortnightly collections, alongside weekly food waste collections and a second recycling bin. These plans were delayed last year due to a bins strike, and the council confirmed in early June it was 'keeping the existing service' pending a decision from the new administration.
The Conservatives argue that weekly collections are essential for Birmingham's dense population of terraced houses, flats, and HMOs. Coun Alden highlighted the scenes during the strike when 25,000 tonnes of rubbish piled up on streets.
Four Priorities
In his letter, Coun Alden set out four priorities for cleaner streets:
- Protect weekly household bin collections.
- Secure a lawful and sustainable end to the waste dispute.
- Launch a city-wide clean-up operation with dedicated ward-based crews.
- Restore recycling collections as quickly as possible.
He stated: 'The new Liberal Democrat-Green administration has inherited a city facing significant challenges... Communities want cleaner streets, reliable waste collections and a council focused on delivering for residents.'
Other Parties' Stances
Birmingham Reform, the largest party on the council but not in the coalition, also supports retaining weekly collections. The Liberal Democrats pledged before the elections to 'maintain weekly collections until services have shown themselves to be completely reliable.' The Green Party's Julien Pritchard noted that no party has an overall majority, and the priority is to make the waste service reliable. The previous Labour administration argued the changes would bring Birmingham in line with other councils and improve recycling rates.
