Wheeled bin benefits

Mr Jefferson queries the cost of the wheeled bin service (Letters, April 8).

While it is pleasing that this is of such interest that he took the trouble to time his very first collection, the conclusions he draws about the costs of the service are well wide of the mark.

Across the city, the ongoing costs of wheeled bins are very similar to the black sack system. But because we no longer bear the cost of the sacks in the former Ryedale areas, there are significant savings (and environmental benefits - imagine the number of black sacks no longer dumped!) in those areas.

The time previously spent before collection picking up sacks, putting them into piles and delivering new sacks seems to have been forgotten. No need to "explain away" anything.

The facts are that in the Rawcliffe and Clifton Without area, domestic refuse used to be collected by two vehicle rounds over two days on the black sack system and is now done in one round over two and a half days using wheeled bins.

However, on the wheeled bin system the crew size reduces from four down to two loaders. A significant improvement in efficiency.

In addition, we achieve a better collection system with no lifting for either the residents or the crews (eliminating or mechanising heavy lifting is now a legal requirement), removing problems with injuries to crews from sharp objects. It also means plastic sacks will no longer be ripped open by scavenging animals and their contents scattered far and wide.

Does it make sense?

Very much so.

Coun Martin Brumby,

Chair, Environmental Services Committee,

City of York Council.

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