The price of garden waste bins in Rickmansworth is to increase further, much to the annoyance of residents.
Brown garden waste bins were free when they were first supplied and residents were told they could have as many of the bins as required, but after first going back on the free waste disposal, Three Rivers District Council are now increasing the price of this service year on year for the next three years, as well as charging for extra bins.
One resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “When the brown bins were first introduced they were free and TRDC said residents could have as many as they needed.
“We, and many others, opted for 2 as we have a large garden. A couple of years ago they realised taking away garden waste was not a statutory responsibility so began charging. The charge was £35 with direct debit. It came in part way through the financial year so the charge was about £22. We, and many others, gave back one bin. We drive to the Council tip with the excess, or compost it ourselves
“TRDC claim they are losing money on brown bin collections so opted to increase the charges.
“With this plus the car park charges that are about to be introduced in Rickmansworth alone, a Planning Committee decision a few months ago to build temporary housing for homeless on the old RVS site in a conservation area in Rickmansworth has not gone down well either.”
Three Rivers District Council defended the decision to put prices up and said they were doing it as a result of severe financial difficulties.
A spokesperson said: “This is the first time that Three Rivers District Council has increased the charge since implementation. All councils are facing severe financial difficulties as a result of reductions in support from central government, and Three Rivers is no exception.
“In setting its budget for the coming year the Council has therefore decided to move, over a number of years, to a position where the charges for the collection of the garden waste cover the full cost of providing the service.
“We have had feedback from residents that the subscription remains good value for money and is cheaper and easier than repeated trips to the Household Waste Centres.”
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