Bolton Council was nominated for a top national award for its work in saving more than £2 million so far by introducing slim bins.
The authority was shortlisted from hundreds of submissions for the ‘Environment’ category at this year’s Local Government Chronicle Awards 2017 – the premier awards for local government.
The awards, held on Wednesday March 8, recognise achievements and best practice across local government.
The council replaced all 240 litre bins with 140 litre grey bins between June and November last year.
The scheme was introduced to encourage recycling, reduce grey bin waste collected and save £1.25 million a year in waste disposal costs – a figure which the council is already exceeding.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Whilst we did not win this award, to be shortlisted is still a fantastic achievement and big thanks must go to our residents – without their support and hard work in recycling and adapting to the changes, we would haven’t been able to achieve what we have done and already save more than £2 million.
“I must also congratulate our teams at the council who have worked really hard to communicate the slim bin rollout plan so residents were as best prepared as possible.
“They worked with community groups, schools and went to talk to residents and the end result has been a smooth implementation and significant savings, which has now been recognised nationally. We are delighted.”