Second political group in two days slams Powys council over ‘embarrassing’ bin collection disruption

The Powys Independents Group has written to the council leader, urging immediate action over ongoing problems with waste and recycling collections.

The letter, signed by all members of the group and sent by joint leader Councillor Beverley Baynham, comes after the introduction of new collection routes on March 2, aimed at improving efficiency across Powys.

However, the Independents say residents have reported widespread missed collections, inconsistent timings, and long delays before catch-up rounds are completed.

“You only have to drive through the county and there are recycling boxes piled up at the end of people’s drives waiting for collection,” the letter states.

The group says the situation is “embarrassing” and adds that residents’ frustration is compounded by recent council tax increases and ongoing problems with roads and potholes. The letter warns that the service disruption is not confined to one area and is affecting the county as a whole.

As a result, the Independents say they have “lost all faith” in Councillor Jackie Charlton, the portfolio holder for a Greener Powys, and have called on council leader Councillor Jake Berriman to take immediate action.

Powys County Council has previously acknowledged disruption following the introduction of new collection routes, saying crews are still familiarising themselves with the rounds and adjustments will be made as required.

The Independents’ letter adds to mounting political pressure over the county’s waste and recycling service, which has also been criticised by the Welsh Conservatives.

In a letter earlier this week they demanded action, called for a public apology and said some households have gone without a bin collection for five weeks while councillors are ‘swamped’ with complaints.

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “There have been issues with the new collection rounds which was to be expected from such a large scale change to all the routes.

“We have been honest in our publicity that we did expect some initial issues and have asked that residents do bear with us whilst the routes settle down. Crews will not be used to these routes, which does mean that in some instances it will take some time until they are able to complete them within the working day. There will also be more missed properties to begin with due to unfamiliarity with the rounds.

“Whilst extensive modelling has taken place, it is not possible to try out new rounds in a real world situation until they are actually implemented. We are continually reviewing the new routes and will make adjustments as required.

“In most cases the collections are being completed in the following days so that residents do not have to wait too long between collections. Unfortunately, routes do need to be optimised periodically due to changes in the composition of waste and recycling, additional properties, updates to collection vehicles, and changes in bulking locations.

“This is common to all local authorities and there will always be some issues when this happens. We do understand that this is an inconvenience for residents and apologise for this. We are working very hard to resolve all the issues as quickly as possible, but do ask for patience as we go through this process. In the meantime we would ask that residents check the bin collection.”

In a response to the Conservative Group, Powys County Council Leader Councillor Jake Berriman said; “I do appreciate the opportunity to openly discuss the live issues being experienced with the recently introduced route optimisation, its implementation and the impact that it is having on residents, staff and the reputation of the Council.

“Whilst I know that everyone is working hard to overcome the operational difficulties being experienced, the service to the public has not been as good as any of us would like, and whilst my apology, as Leader of the Council, will not resolve that, it is sincerely offered.

“I have spoken with the Chief Officer Place about these concerns and the need to find both a short-term fix and longer-term solution that balances service efficiency and effectiveness. He is working with the team to do so.

“Based on my own operational experience of implementing change programmes in waste collection/recycling services elsewhere I know that these things take time to bed in, but we also have to accept, as you clearly highlight, that the public’s forbearance is becoming frayed and assurances have to be met.

“I can confirm that the Portfolio Holder is in regular contact with the service and has herself asked challenging questions of them, but you must appreciate that this is a wholly operational matter for which officers and not Members have day to day responsibility.”

He offered to meet to discuss the issues and work with officers to ensure the issues and planned improvements are properly communicated to all members and the public