Denbighshire: Stress of Botched Recycling Rollout Dreadful Felt by Councillors

Denbighshire Council had recycling issues. Councillor Hugh Irving leads the scrutiny committee, and they approved a review of the problems. The “Trolibocs” scheme launched last June, but people reported missed collections frequently. Trash piled up on Denbighshire streets.

Council leader Jason McLellan apologized, and Chief Executive Graham Boase also apologized. The council invested more money into the scheme and revised collection routes too. But the council still received complaints; collections for bins and recycling got missed.

The committee met in Ruthin and agreed to a year-long review. Councillors will examine what went wrong, and the process will involve councillors giving evidence. They will look at planning and the scheme’s rollout.

Catrin Roberts said they must receive review findings. Irving said this meeting was about the review, not past problems. He criticized the press coverage as exaggerated. He said the bin issues stressed councillors; Irving wants the group formed quickly and a report by year’s end.

Councillor Hilditch-Roberts wants accountability and said current and former cabinet members must answer. Councillor Sandilands wants a faster review process, while Councillor Feeley wants clear timelines. The process must be fair and fast.

Sandilands made a formal proposal, and Feeley seconded that proposal. The committee unanimously supported the report.