Over 3,000 bins not collected due to faults

The Times contacted the local authority after residents voiced concerns that a number of bins had been missed in the borough in recent weeks.

Responding to the Times, a council spokesperson said: “The council currently operate a fleet of 106 vehicles and there are presently 16 bin lorries in operation.

“Council and its contractors complete approximately 13,000 bin collections every day. In the last month there was a delay in collecting approximately 3,300 black bins due to mechanical faults and these were collected as soon as possible following the delay. 

“To date this year there has been a delay in collecting approximately 4,600 bins as a result of adverse weather and these bins were collected as soon as the weather permitted.”

The council spokesperson added: “In order to maintain service delivery, when vehicles are off the road due to planned and reactive maintenance, when the life of a vehicle has expired during a period of service review and also during times of inclement weather, the council hires vehicles. 

“This hire is through a tendered contract for vehicles ensuring competitive rates and the costs per day for a bin lorry may range from £47 to £140 based on vehicle type and duration of hire.

“The life span of a vehicle is determined by a number of factors including age, wear, damage, technological changes, running costs and fit for purpose. Since 2015 the council has disposed of 3 bin lorries totalling a disposal value of £55,100.”