Bulky refuse policy clarified

In a statement the council said: “Residents in the council area can avail of a bulky waste collection service twice a year, up to a total of six bulky items.”

The confusion came after Stephanie Diamond posted to the Banbridge Saints and Sinners social media page to say “Rang today to enquire about bulky refuge collection. A service which costs £12 to collect 6 items. I was informed that the rules have changed regarding the collection and you can only use this service once a year. Is anybody else aware of this new rule?”

Fees for the collection also remain unchanged with a non-refundable charge of £6 per lift of up to three bulky household items.

The post did however raise questions over whether the council should provide a free service, in line with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.

Sandra Smylie said: “I read last week that Lisburn council is allowing three free lifts a year of one large item from April. Think ABC council should do this also.”

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council will collect up to three items free, for collections requested from 1st April 2016. A maximum of three free of charge collections will be provided per household per year with any further collections incurring a charge of £10 for up to three items to be applied to all households.

Following calls for Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to provide a similar free service, a council spokesperson said: “At present there are no plans to change this service, however the council continually look towards ways in which they can improve their services to rate payers.”

The Bulky Refuse collection service for larger items of household waste and items such as furniture, white goods and garden equipment can be collected.

To request a collection or for further information, please contact 028 3833 9031.