A Northern Ireland council has “abandoned” its tender process for a new multi-million pound household bin service.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) had recently faced opposition to its new kerbside collection policy that would have seen recycling bins double in size and general waste bins decreased by 25% capacity.
LCCC has now published its tender withdrawal for ‘assembly, uplift and disposal of various waste containers from properties’ on the public sector website ‘Gov.UK’ which holds all government services and information.
Read more: Age NI chief concerned over Lisburn and Castlereagh new bin size collection system.
The message stated: “Abandoned as a result of uncertainties and the impact of such uncertainties on any roll-out programme and timelines.”
Lisburn South DUP Alderman Paul Porter had called for residents to be allowed to keep the bigger household waste bins, but his proposed amendment failed in chambers.
He said: “It is vitally important that as the council’s kerbside policy changes, people are at the heart of that change. Of vital importance is the voice of vulnerable residents.
“That has been my view, and that of my party, from the outset of conversations around any new bins policy. As the council looks towards a new timeline, I will continue to be a voice of common sense in this debate, with a view to a policy everyone can support and that works for all ratepayers.
“I would urge the council to take this time and rethink its mandatory 25% reduction in residents household bin.”
Charities including AgeNI and Friends of the Earth have voiced concerns over the bin strategy in the last number of weeks.
The full details of the new kerbside collection policy have been held under wraps during confidential session in Lagan Valley Island with only minimal details being released in an extended council minute.
A council spokesperson said: “Lisburn Castlereagh City Council has now withdrawn a waste management tender which was originally published in September 2022.
“However, this is not unusual during a procurement process and consideration will now be given to a new timeline.”
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