Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors are opposing Ealing Labour’s plans to introduce wheelie bins to the borough’s homes.
Opposition councillors say the borough’s reputation as "queen of the suburbs" would be undermined by the sight of thousands of plastic bins in front gardens and on the streets, and would pave the way for fortnightly collections.
In a statement, the Tories accused Labour-run Ealing Council of adopting a “slash and burn budget” while forcing residents to take wheelie bins whether they want them or not.
Councillor Nigel Sumner, shadow environment portfolio holder, said: “Labour’s plans to force wheelie bins on residents is an issue that affects the whole borough and not just one ward.
“Residents are right to be concerned over the lack of choice or consultation on the issue, especially as they are also being forced into a fortnightly collection service.”
Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Gary Malcolm said: “It is sad that Labour wants to force residents to have two wheelie bins. Many people will not have space to store these additional collection vessels.”
A petition against the bins has been set up by residents. It reads: “Under the Labour administration, we are slowly losing our title as 'queen of the suburbs'. Forcing these plastic monstrosities on Ealing, will only makes us queen of the wheelie bins.”
Signatures are being collected until Monday May 18 to force a debate on the issue.
However, the Labour administration claims its refuse and recycling collection changes will save £2m while combating food waste and vermin.
Labour’s Councillor Bassam Mahfouz said: “Whilst the Tories and Lib Dems in government have slashed Ealing Council’s budget by almost 60%, Labour has continued to increase recycling rates and secure more Green Flags (the kite mark for excellent parks in the
UK) for our parks than ever before in Ealing’s history.
“Ealing remains the 'queen of the suburbs' and I’m disappointed that the Tories want to attempt to slash and burn its reputation.”
He claimed Labour was the only party in Ealing truly committed to boosting recycling rates to 50% by 2018.
Cllr Mahfouz added: “Having looked at what other boroughs have successfully done, we believe the introduction of wheelie bins with alternate weekly collections, similar to that introduced in neighbouring boroughs of Harrow, Brent and Barnet will allow us to achieve that.”
