A Bristol MP has weighed in on the city’s ongoing bin collection debate, expressing “serious concerns” over plans to cut the frequency of rubbish pickups. Karin Smyth, Labour MP for South Bristol, has called for a pause on proposals to shift black bin collections from every two weeks to every three or four, warning of the potential burden on larger families and disabled residents.
In a letter to all constituents in her South Bristol district, where she has served for a decade, Smyth highlighted existing issues with unreliable collections. “I’m deeply worried about these changes,” she wrote. “Campaigners’ points should make the council think twice. The impact on bigger households and people with disabilities—concerns the council itself flagged in its impact assessment last autumn—is especially troubling. For families already dealing with inconsistent pickups, a missed collection after four weeks of waste would be a major problem.”
Smyth noted that Bristol City Council’s Strategy and Resources Policy Committee has already approved a budget slashing £1 million from black bin services. “With the council opening this to public consultation, it’d be disappointing if the outcome was predetermined by these cuts,” she said. “I’ll keep a close eye on the consultation’s progress and update residents as more details emerge.”
She also questioned the Green Party’s stated goal of boosting recycling rates through the consultation. “If that’s the aim, I’ll be looking for real improvements to recycling services,” Smyth added. “Higher recycling is a worthy target, but if black bin collections are reduced, Bristolians deserve better recycling options in return. With the Labour government securing a 5.2% real-terms funding increase for the council, as leader Tony Dyer recently noted, I’m eager to see how the administration plans to enhance waste management.”
The council, now governed by a Green-led coalition under a committee system, has faced public backlash and conflicting claims over its waste and recycling consultation. Green leaders insist no decisions are final and they’re open to feedback. Bristol Live reports the £1 million cut aligns with a potential three-week collection cycle, mirroring proposed changes in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Cllr Martin Fodor, chair of the environment and sustainability policy committee, emphasized this week that no conclusions have been drawn. “We’re exploring ways to lift Bristol’s recycling rate,” he said. “I urge everyone to join the waste consultation. Over 40% of black bin contents—much of it food waste—could be recycled. We need to jump from 45% to 65% by 2035 to hit government goals. The shift to fortnightly collections was the last big recycling boost here 20 years ago, which is why we’re considering less frequent pickups.”
Fodor added, “We’ve prioritized street cleaning funds and will always listen to residents before deciding anything. Higher recycling could bring in more revenue, making this target achievable together.”
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