PLANS are afoot to remove council recycling bring bank sites.

Shropshire Council is considering removing sites to tackle fly-tipping, encourage recycling and save around £230,000.

Councillor Joyce Barrow, cabinet member responsible for waste services, said: “Over the next five years, with no action, Shropshire Council is facing a budget shortfall of around £59m so we’re having to look carefully at how we can save money that can be put into provision of our most vital services.

"Removing bring banks sites from across the county would save a significant sum, but saving money isn’t the only reason for this proposal."

Shropshire Council and Veolia provide bring banks at 120 sites across Shropshire, to enable people to recycle household waste including cans, glass, paper, clothing and drinks cartons.

They are typically located in pub, supermarket and village hall car parks.

The council says that inappropriate use of the banks is becoming increasingly common, and the sites are experiencing three main issues people placing the wrong materials in the banks; general household waste left alongside the banks and business using the sites to dump trade waste.

Council chiefs cite kersbide recycling collections and the amount of materials that can be recycled at its five recycling centres as reasons for a drop in the usage of bring banks.

By removing the banks and encouraging people to recycle from the kerbside or at a household recycling centres, the council hopes that recycling rates will rise.

Shropshire Council has launched a six-week consultation on the proposal, which is due to end on January 25.

The council's cabinet will discuss the plans early next year.

Cllr Barrow added: "Thanks to our kerbside recycling service and recycling centres bring banks are no longer as important as they once were – and misuse of the sites is costing time and money, and reducing the amount of waste that can be recycled.

“We ask people to take a close look at our proposals and tell us what they think.”

The proposals do not affect banks provided by private organisations on private land.

To take part in the consultation, visit www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/closure-of-shropshire-council-recycling-bring-sites