On Thursday, September 28, Slough Borough Council will be meeting to discuss the petition, titled ‘Reversion of the Bi-Weekly Bin Collection Policy in Slough’.
The petition amassed 2,103 signatures and wishes to undo changes that came into force on June 26.
Now three months on, the change in bin collections, which saw waste and recycling being emptied on alternate weeks has seen dozens of reports of overflowing bins, collection issues and pests.
In July the Observer reported on a block of flats which were left without a bin collection for weeks.
Due to overflowing bins, the problem escalated and the council refused to take the bins due to the lids not shutting.
After making a trip to the tip with maggot-ridden bin bags, the flats saw bin collections resume.
READ MORE: Slough residents forced to keep trash inside amid bin issues
Meanwhile, maggot issues have been plaguing residents around the town, and bins have also been reported being stolen in broad daylight.
In the petition due to go before the council, it states the changes in bin collection are a “serious concern” to residents, which is causing “distress”.
“This change has brought about numerous challenges and raised crucial health and environmental concerns that we believe require your immediate attention,” the petition states.
It goes on to cite a “multitude of issues” relating to unpleasant odours, risk of vermin infestation and cleanliness.
Concerns were also raised around illegal waste disposal having the potential to rise in the area.
The decision to switch to biweekly bin collections was made by cabinet on September 23, 2022. The change was estimated to save the council £705k saving (pro-rata £424k) within Environmental Services.
Pat Hayes, Executive Director, Property and Housing is recommending the council to continue fortnightly bin collections.
Under the recommendations, the council would roll out further educational programmes to better inform residents on recycling and general waste.
Meanwhile, ways to improve recycling rates and minimise food waste will be discussed by the council.
In the report to go before the council, it states: “Many councils have moved to a fortnightly refuse collection system.
“It can help improve recycling rates and have beneficial financial consequences.
“As the report acknowledges, making changes to this type of service usually throws up operational weaknesses that can take some time to resolve.
“It also requires residents to change their behaviours, which takes time and can be unpopular.
“The national experience is that most people adapt to the new arrangements though a significant minority will always wish to maintain a full weekly collection regime.”
