New plan could double household waste bills

HOUSEHOLD refuse bills will double under Public Services' new waste strategy, latest proposals have shown.

The enabling report, to be debated in January, also outlines plans to introduce a 'pay as you throw' element into waste collection charges – although the full detail of this is expected to be put to the States in December next year.

Currently the average household waste bill is just over £2 a week, or £108 a year. New estimates show it would rise to between £3.75 and £4.50 a week, or £195 to £298 a year.

Public Services minister Paul Luxon, pictured, did not believe there would be a backlash over the rise.

'We've listened vary carefully and engaged very meaningfully with douzaines, contractors and bin men through consultation workshops, and we've tried to do something to fit what people have said as best as we can,' he said.

'I hope people will be pleased and interested to see how the details are starting to form up.'

The strategy, which was approved in 2012, commits the island to a 70% recycling target with residual waste sent off-island for incineration.