New contract sees new bin days for residents
Residents are being urged to look out for their new bin calendars as a new money-saving waste services contract is launched.
Winchester City Council and East Hampshire District Council met up this week with contractors Biffa Waste Services and The Landscape Group to announce the new partnership.
Now every resident in East Hampshire and Winchester will receive in the post a new collection calendar which clearly sets out what their bin day will be.
The new rounds, re-organised by Biffa to make them more efficient, will begin from the week beginning October 17.
The calendars will include Bank Holiday schedules for the Christmas period and into 2012.
Brian Turner, the Joint Waste Services Client Team Manager, emphasised the importance of residents reading their calendars. “It is vital everyone keeps an eye out for their calendar this week because come October 17 everyone’s bin day is likely to be different,” he said.
“Your new calendar will tell you exactly what day you will need to put out your rubbish bin and your recycling bin. And every bin must be out by 7am because the time crews reach your home could also be different.
“You should receive your calendar by Friday October 7 but if you have not or if you want more information visit www.working-together.org.uk or call the customer service centre on 0300 300 0013.
“If we all work together I am sure we can make a smooth transition to the new system.”
The new partnership is thought to be unique across the UK as it sees two local authorities share two services.
Biffa will collect refuse and recycling in both districts while The Landscape Group will handle streetcare and grounds maintenance. Working together will save more than £2 million across both councils every year.
Improved flexible working patterns, more efficient use of vehicles and crews plus a single management team across both the councils have led to the savings.
The contract has been awarded for eight years with an option to extend for another eight years.