I am sure you are aware that Middlesbrough Council have been looking at the practicalities of introducing a charge as a contribution towards the cost of replacing wheeled bins when they have been damaged or stolen. You probably recall that this issue was the subject of discussion as part of the 2009/10 budget review process.
We can now confirm that this charge will be introduced from Monday 24 October. The charge represents a contribution towards administration and delivery costs connected with replacing a lost or damaged wheeled bin.
The move brings Middlesbrough into line with all the other Tees Valley authorities who already make such a charge, with the exception of Darlington who do not use wheeled bins. The charges are as follows:
- 120 ltr wheeled bin = £15
- 240 ltr wheeled bin = £25
- 360 ltr wheeled bin = £40
Where residents have concerns about paying the charge we will be able to offer them four weeks to pay the contribution to the Council, during that time we will still collect the refuse from residents in bags, prior to considering enforcement action if the resident has still not paid. To help residents protect their wheeled bins we have included the following tips in our publicity:
- Clearly mark the wheeled bin with your street name and house number
- Keep the bin out of sight - under lock and key where possible - on days other collection day.
- Return the bin within the property as soon as possible after collection
- Secure the bin to a fence or gatepost"
