A series of new waste services efficiencies will be discussed at next week’s meeting of Falkirk Council’s Executive (Tuesday 6 December).

These changes would ensure the service meets new national legislation and regulatory standards, cut costs and significantly reduce the Council’s carbon emission targets.

The proposals being considered include:

• A reintroduction of a charge for bulky waste, at £40 (with provision for those on low income/benefits) to generate £350k of income per year.
• A new booking system to be introduced at Household Waste Recycling Centres – reducing carbon emissions from drivers idling while waiting, as well as new opening times between 10am and 6pm.
• An annual charge for Brown Bins (£35) (with provision for those on low income/benefits) – to generate additional income estimated at £350k
• Removal of black box collections from September next year will reduce the amount of waste the Council needs to collect and a reduction in costs. With the introduction of the national Deposit Return Scheme (August 2023), householders will receive a 20 pence return for glass bottles, aluminium drinks cans and clear plastic bottles from designated shops and automated reverse vending machines.
• Removal of the Environmental Enforcement Team and Environmental Improvement Fund to save £200k per year.
• Using savings to expand the Hydro Vegetable Oil scheme to fuel heavy vehicles, again reducing the Council’s carbon footprint.
• Progress with new approaches to dispose of household waste to comply with the introduction of the biodegradable landfill ban by the end of 2025, which will help reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

Big Changes

Malcolm Bennie, Director of Place Services explained: “There are some big changes coming to how waste is managed across Scotland, and we are keen to be ready to respond to these effectively and efficiently.

“The very challenging £69m budget gap the Council faces over the next four years means it is also important to consider some changes to how we do things in waste services. Many of these proposed changes would reduce our carbon emissions and contribute to the Council's priority around Climate Change.  

“The proposals also include ways we can support those residents on lower incomes and benefits to shield them as much as possible during the cost-of-living crisis.”

Watch Online

You can watch the meeting live on YouTube from 10am on Tuesday 6 December and read the full agenda on our website. Read the full report here.