Banbridge Recycling Decision Challenged

A recent decision made by Banbridge District Council regarding its recycling services is to be challenged by one of Northern Ireland's leading recycling companies.

Bryson Recycling have been providing recycling services in Banbridge for 10 years and argues that the council's decision against the best interests of Banbridge residents.

Banbridge District Council "categorically refutes the allegations" that they’re planning not to renew its contract, which expires in March 2012, and to bring recycling services in-house.

When informed of the decision, Bryson Recycling commissioned a review from a waste management consultancy firm and believe they have sufficient evidence to show that the decision making process was flawed and the recycling company has begun judicial review proceedings.

Director of Bryson Recycling, Eric Randall, commented: "We believe that the council's decision has been taken against the best interests of the ratepayers and residents of Banbridge and does not represent the best value option for the borough in terms of cost, the impact on local jobs, or waste management and recycling effectiveness."

Bryson argue that rather than saving the council £3m, as was forecast in the original decision, the proposed changes would in fact cost it £600,000 over the same period.

They also claim that whilst the council will safeguard three jobs with the changes, the jobs of 35 Bryson Recycling employees will be put at risk.

Aside from refuting the allegations, Banbridge District Council also said that as Bryson Recycling had embarked on a formal legal process, it would not be appropriate to make any further comments at this time.

(JG/GK)