DARLINGTON residents could be forgiven for thinking that £60,000 for ten litter bins is vastly expensive (Echo, Aug 14).
If only they would look at the detail.
The £6,000 per bin includes installation and five years of maintenance. Holding eight times more rubbish than a standard bin, the new bins will need emptying perhaps three times a week instead of two or three times a day for a normal town centre bin.
These are solar-powered compactor bins that send a signal when they need emptying, again reducing collection costs.
They will provide wifi coverage, measure footfall and levels of pollution and could carry advertising.
Look beyond the headlines, see the full picture, and there is a strong argument that these new bins are in fact good value for money.
Keeping our town centre tidy and litter-free is an essential job, not a luxury or a waste of money. Of course, if people did not drop litter in the first place...
Chris Foote Wood, Darlington
Is £60,000 on solar powered bins good value for money?
Is £60,000 on solar powered bins good value for money? Let us know. What would you have spent the money on?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel