WEE COUNTY residents have forced the council into taking action over bin collections with growing levels of dissatisfaction over services.

Waste management services and practices will be reviewed following a flurry of complaints from people living in the area.

The issue came to light at a full Clackmannanshire Council meeting on Thursday, April 22, when Cllr Craig Holden tabled an urgent motion on the matter.

He told the virtual Kilncraigs chamber: "Unfortunately, it has become increasingly apparent to us in our role as ward representatives that there is a growing level of public dissatisfaction in terms of what the council is currently delivering in respect to household waste collection and what the public wants, needs and most importantly, understands.

"There is particular confusion regarding the following: bin contamination, weight restrictions, eligibility for additional bins, charges and guidelines for bulky uplifts, the rules and procedures around non-collection, timescales and procedures for the resubmission of non-collected bins and most importantly, communication between the council and the public regarding policy and practice in all of these areas."

He added the matter was urgent due to the "level of public dissatisfaction, evidenced by the growing number of complaints to councillors".

Cllr Holden argued immediate action is necessary to "restore public confidence and prevent long-term reputational damage to the council".

The motion acknowledged the high number of complaints received.

It called for a current review of waste services, understood to be centred around residual waste – materials not easily recyclable, to be broadened out in scope and include all aspects of household waste collection.

This will include setting out the range of current issues and proposed future approaches to be taken by council.

Policy solutions will be developed, taking into account "pressures and demands upon the service whilst responding to the needs and aspirations of the Clackmannanshire public".

The motion received support from every corner of the chamber.

Cllr George Matchett said: "Over months, I have been raising formal council inquiries in relation to trying to deal with constituents' concerns, complaints; misunderstanding and ambiguity about what's going on in household waste management."

He thanked Cllr Holden for bringing the motion forward in what he called a "first-class approach", but said he would have liked to see it earlier.

Pete Leonard, strategic director for Place at the council, said: "Throughout the pandemic, our waste team have worked hard to provide an uninterrupted household waste and recycling service during a difficult and challenging time.

"We were also able to re-open our Forthbank Recycling Centre three months after the pandemic began, in line with Scottish Government guidance, and the centre is now operating on normal opening hours.

"Our waste team have been heartened by the many letters of thanks and support they have received as they continue to provide a a valuable service to the people of Clackmannanshire.

"The service is focussed on continuous improvement.

"Customer feedback is very important and the review will give us an opportunity to further enhance the service we provide."