CORNWALL Council has responded following ongoing local frustration in Launceston surrounding the new bin collection service.
Back in November 2024, Cornwall Council rolled out its shiny-new bin collection scheme. The new approach would see residents provided with a wheelie bin or reusable sack, an outdoor collection caddy for food waste and an indoor kitchen caddy.
Along with new rubbish containers, the way residents are expected to dispose of their waste was also changed. A new 180 litre fortnightly limit was placed on rubbish – this equates to around three or four black bags; residents were now also expected to separate their food waste for weekly collections.
However, following this introduction, Launceston has experienced a number of issues surrounding residents’ waste collection.
These issues came to a head in the last few weeks after 3.5 tonnes of bin bags were left uncollected, littering the town’s streets.
Leaving the town in a sorry state, residents have become increasingly frustrated with the new system.
One resident said: “Awful, bins aren't big enough, I have three guinea pigs and a seven-year-old and have to use my neighbours every fortnight, and I'm putting out 6 bags of recycling minimum each fortnight too. Town is covered in black bags piling up attracting rats and vermin. Constant complaints on local Facebook groups about the new system. Bring back weekly collections, we pay more than enough in council tax but not seeing any benefit from it.”
Others have criticised the inconsistency surrounding new rules, with some feeling as though not all collections are being treated the same.
Another resident explained: “There doesn’t seem to be consistency with how strict it is. There are bins not being collected because they aren’t closed properly, yet this morning I saw them emptying bin with bags piled on top of them!”
With issues persisting throughout the town, Cornwall Council has responded to the situation.
Speaking to the Post a Cornwall Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of issues in Launceston where rubbish and recycling has not been presented correctly and therefore has not been collected.
“Additional rubbish was cleared from the area on Friday, February 7, and we have provided households with further information and guidance about the new food waste, rubbish and recycling service.”
The council has plainly told residents that any waste which does not fit within the allocated wheelie bins or collection sacks, will not be collected.
The spokesperson continued: “Rubbish collections are limited per household to encourage everyone to waste less and recycle more. Please ensure your rubbish fits in your wheelie bin or protective sack with the lid closed. Additional rubbish bags will not be collected.
“We also urge residents to check their collection days and present their food waste, rubbish and recycling on the correct day.”