'Cheaper to throw away than recycle' - council

A review of winter gritting could see the number of routes reduced and charges could be introduced for pest control.

The recommendations are part of a package to save £1.3 million from Rotherham Borough Council’s waste, roads and enforcement portfolio — including the loss of 16 jobs.

The authority is exploring more ways to shed costs because it needs to cut an estimated £41 million by 2019.

The proposals said all carpets and mattresses left at its four household waste recycling centres would not be sent for recycling, saving £105,000 over three years.

A report to managing director commissioner Stella Manzie added: “With the current pricing structure we have, from the economic perspective it is cheaper to undertake disposal than to attempt to increase recycling.”

RMBC says the move will reduce its overall recycling performance by “approximately 1.16 per cent”.

The Advertiser asked how this move would sit within the authority’s wider policy of encouraging recycling.

Karl Battersby, strategic director for environment and development services, said: “Rotherham Council is committed to supporting recycling wherever possible. 

“This is just one of the proposals we are looking at and as yet no decision has been taken.”

The report also said reviewing the council’s gritting fleet and lowering the number of routes from ten to nine would save £50,000.

It added that bringing in charges for the rat control service — suggested at £20 per job — would bring in £30,000 a year.

But the report also noted that this could lead to health and safety implications if the price puts people off calling — leading to more complaints.

And the target for removing offensive graffiti within one working day could be relaxed to two days if the team is reduced from two to one operative, saving £21,000.