New lorries bought in bid to boost bin collections

Birmingham City Council has purchased 151 new bin lorries in a bid to increase the consistency of the service for residents.

The new fleet purchased from Dennis Eagle is intended to reduce the council's reliance on hired vehicles and replace outdated council-owned lorries that are beyond their operational lifespan.

The announcement follows anger from residents last month after bins were not emptied in areas across the city, with staff shortages blamed and an updated collection system promised.

The investment will be partly funded by a grant from DEFRA and collections with the new vehicles are due to begin in March 2025.

During a full council meeting on 3 December, Julien Pritchard, Green Party councillor for Druids Heath & Monyhull, asked when residents could expect reliable collections.

Councillor Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, acknowledged the service was going through a "difficult period", but insisted the new vehicles would offer "a long-term solution" for the people of Birmingham.

The council is to move to a fortnightly collection of residual waste, as well as introducing an additional food waste collection and a second recycling bin.

Mr Mahmood said the investment in the new vehicles demonstrated the council's commitment to providing "reliable and efficient waste collection services".

He added the "state-of-the-art fleet" would also improve the crews working conditions and move towards a more sustainable future with vehicles that met emissions standards.

The announcement of the new fleet follows a ballot on strike action for about 400 Birmingham bin workers, in a row over pay and roles.

The Unite union said dozens of workers could lose up to £8,000 per year under Birmingham City Council's plans.

The ballot is open until Wednesday 11 December.

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