Council trials free bulky waste collection scheme

A city council has trialled a scheme to help residents dispose of unwanted bulky items properly.

The Derby City Council pilot project has seen vouchers handed out to residents in Sinfin and Osmaston, where waste could then be collected for free.

The authority said the project aimed to support people who had no access to a vehicle, were on a low income or had a disability.

Council bosses said they hoped to expand the initiative across the city.

The vouchers have been paid for through funding from the council's Neighbourhood Board, with £3,000 allocated for Sinfin and Osmaston until the end of the financial year.

The council said it was also exploring ways to collaborate with social care and hospital staff to assist people who might be unable to return home due to fall risks caused by waste.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities, said: "We know that residents want to do the right thing and make sure [bulky waste] is disposed of properly, but there may be a number of reasons why they can't do this such as being on a low income, no access to a vehicle or a disability.

"This pilot project is showing that something as simple as supporting residents to remove their bulky waste is having a positive impact for residents and the wider community."

In the spring and autumn of this year, the council introduced an initiative to offer 500 free bulky collections to residents living across the city.

Despite this, the number of incidents of fly-tipping went up by more than 21% to 3,503 - between April and September this year - up from 2,883 between April and September 2023.

The council said the estimated cost of this fly-tipping to the authority was £167,570 in 2023, and £194,528 this year.

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