During questions at a New Forest District full council meeting on July 14, Councillor Adam Parker (Green, Brockenhurst & Denny Lodge) said the “donkey raiding bins” issue that hit the national press could be dealt with by using lockable bins.
He said in some parts of Scotland residents keep their bins under lock and key as tourists dumping their waste in the wrong bin.
Cllr Parker said: “The common-sense solution to what’s been happening in Brockenhurst is to disregard the ‘one size fits all’ policy – and let people leave their bins behind their gates and fences if they’re at risk of donkeys.
“Had lockable bins been considered under the £5.6 million food waste recycling collection scheming?”
Portfolio holder for environment and sustainability, Councillor Geoffrey Blunden ((Con, Ashley, Bashley and Fernhill)) said while using lockable bins only adds a few minutes to emptying each bin, cumulatively it “would add excessive time, cost and staff to complete rounds.”
Cllr Blunden said: “The new bins are an improvement from the plastic black sack easily ripped apart.”
He said the scheme is being monitored, with a residents’ complaint forum to be set up to aid changes in the operation – but said it is not a big issue at the moment.
