Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have agreed to reduce the number of caddy liners supplied to households in the borough in a bid to cut costs.
Currently, the borough council provides food waste caddy liners free of charge, on demand, as an incentive for recycling domestic food waste.
A report presented to the council’s Operations Committee, at a meeting in Antrim Civic Centre, on Monday evening, indicated the cost of providing caddy liners is approximately £185,000 annually.
Residents normally receive rolls of liners by attaching a tag to the handle of their brown bin or by collection at council facilities.
Officers recommended that provision of two rolls yearly would result in a saving of £70,000.
Commenting on the recommendation, Airport Sinn Fein Cllr Maighréad Ní Chonghaile said:
“I am concerned about accessibility for some of our residents who would have to go to a centre to pick up extra liners.”
Michael Laverty, director of sustainability, said that a mechanism could be put in place to enable deliveries to them.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile proposed maintaining the current arrangement so that “everyone gets caddy liners as required”.
Glengormley Alliance Alderman Julian McGrath asked for confirmation it was the case that some residents leave red tags on bins permanently and liners were “constantly being replenished”.
The director replied: “We are looking at a method of providing an element of control not about stopping people getting caddy liners.” He suggested providing a means to assist residents who are known to have difficulty in leaving out bins.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile said she was also concerned about the potential impact on recycling rates. “People may be put off if they do not have a supply. Then the whole recycling initiative is in danger.”
The director said households would receive 60 liners a year, which he added, would allow for one bag a week with the opportunity to get further bags, if requested. He commented that the bag does not need changed every couple of days.
“We do not believe it will have a detrimental impact on recycling rates.”
Airport Sinn Fein Cllr Annemarie Logue suggested having another look at ways to restrict liners.
“It is one of the most basic services in the borough, People do not abuse the bags going out of their way to stockpile them.” However, she acknowledged: “It is difficult to monitor and manage.”
Macedon Ulster Unionist Cllr Robert Foster proposed supplying two rolls of bags annually, seconded by Threemilewater Alliance Cllr Julie Gilmour before amending the proposal to four rolls per year through two distributions.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile suggested increasing it to six rolls instead commenting on the number of bags a household could use preparing Sunday lunch.
Cllr Ní Chonghaile’s proposal to maintain the existing service was defeated in a vote after four members were in favour, with ten against, before the distribution of four rolls of bags annually was agreed.