Changes to bin collections in MEA are on the way

Tuesday 10 October 2023

From Monday 30 October, Council is introducing ‘Route Optimisation’ to maximise the efficiency of its collection vehicles.

Route Optimisation is the process of planning the fastest and most cost-effective way for Council’s waste & recycling collection crews to get from one address to another meaning Council’s crews spend less time driving - which boosts efficiency and supports sustainability.

Route Optimisation means fewer miles travelled and fewer carbon emissions - reducing the Council’s carbon footprint and impact on climate.

New calendars and letters advising affected residents of their revised collection dates will be dropping through letterboxes in the coming weeks and it is important these are kept safe.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “We have carefully considered how our routes operate and have developed an extensive plan of action to ensure bins are collected in the most sustainable way.  It’s important to remember that once the new schedule is up and running, there will be no changes to how often bins are emptied - please keep an eye out for your letter and calendar which provides you with all the information you need.”

Deputy Chair of the Environment and Economy Committee, Councillor Bobby Hadden adds: “We aim to ensure that we deliver services in the most efficient and sustainable way possible. We have carefully considered how our bin routes operate and have made changes to our bin rounds to make them as efficient as possible, whilst minimising disruption for residents wherever we can. By making these changes we are able to continue to deliver our waste collection service to the highest standard but in a more cost-effective way.

“We aim to make the transition to the new collection days as smooth as possible but if residents have any issues, please contact the Waste Helpdesk Team by emailing waste.helpdesk@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call us on T: 0300 124 5000 (Option 0).”

To ensure residents do not miss a scheduled collection, Council will operate a missed bin collection service during the first fortnightly transitional period.

The frequency of bin collections will remain fortnightly and, as is the case now, bins should always be put out ready to be emptied by 7am on the day of collection.

To have all waste and recycling information at your fingertips, please download the Bin-ovation app from the Apple store or Play store (Android). You will be able to check your new bin collection day online using the online bin collection calendar on our website, from Monday 30 October 2023.

For further information relating to the changes visit our Waste FAQs page.