THE Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP) is considering introducing one-off charges for supplying and delivering new containers to residents in order to make essential budget savings.

The DWP say although the flexibility in the ‘Recycle for Dorset’ kerbside collection scheme ensure it works for different kinds of households, it comes at a cost.

A consultation has therefore been launched to look at options for savings and the public have until Friday, November 18 to have their say before the matter appears before the DWP joint committee in January.

Each year more than 900 new properties are built in Dorset by developers, all needing new recycling and waste containers. This has an annual cost in the region of £46,000 to purchase and arrange delivery of bins.

Where an application is made for a full set of ‘Recycle for Dorset’ containers for a new property a one-off charge of around £55 could be introduced.

The DWP replaces around 9,000 damaged or lost containers each year. The associated cost of this is in the region of £159,000. A cost of £30 to replace a 240-litre wheeled bin and £15 for a kerbside recycling box is therefore being considered. All suggested costs for new or additional bins are explained in the online survey.

Cllr Tony Alford, chairman of the DWP’s joint committee, said: “As well as maintaining a high level of service to the public, we regularly review our costs to identify areas where savings can be made.

“We want to hear what people think of the suggestions by completing our online survey.

“Residents’ views will be taken into consideration by the DWP joint committee in January next year when they look at the options for charging for new/additional or replacement containers.”

To have your say visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/new-containers-consultation