Agenda item

Consideration was given to a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, People and Place which sought approval to secure funding to replace the street bins, two vehicles and the need to minimise manual handling and reduce the dangers associated with needles and glass contained within street bins.

The new bins would no longer require the constant replacement of plastic bin bags which would normally end up in the waste stream assisting with the councils target of becoming carbon neutral by 2025. The new bins have a greater capacity than the existing bins, with approximately 3 times the waste volume which can be currently held before requiring emptying. This new type of bin would allow for a reduction in the number to be installed, however, keeping the same number as current may allow the option to locate bins in more built up residential areas giving greater widespread coverage than we currently have on non-primary routes. This decision will be made following the consultation and ultimately the level of finance secured for this proposal.

In addition it was proposed to replace bins within Oldham Town Centre with a new (ecofriendly) solar powered type. These are similar to those currently in use within Manchester City Centre. The town centre bins are serviced on average 4 times a day; sometimes more depending on season. The new bins which utilise solar power to power a compactor, allows a normal 240 litre wheelie bin to hold the capacity of a large commercial 1100 litre bin.

If the above proposals were accepted it would require the replacement of two existing 3.5-ton crew cab caged vehicles with two new purpose built 7.5-ton small compacting waste vehicles. These new vehicles would take up the role of street litter bin servicing across the whole Borough, but will also take on a secondary role currently serviced by a second crew and vehicle, servicing the existing 19 static dandy staff operating across the districts and main corridor routes. These larger capacity vehicles (3-ton waste carrying capacity) will allow for a full day servicing of bins, requiring only one recycling site visit either early morning or end of day.

Options/alternatives considered

Option 1 – New proposal

Option 2 - Replacement of existing street litter bins on a like for like basis.

*Excluding the purchase of any vehicles.

Total storage capacity for litter with existing 1172 x 120ltr bins is 140,640 litres.  

 Proposal will see capacity of 298,480 litres for 1172 x 240ltr of new units.

RESOLVED – That Option 1 replacing the bins with a new proposal be approved.