Our council spent £17,000 on an app to remind us to put our bins out – it’s insane
RESIDENTS are up in arms after their council spent £17,000 on an app that reminds them when to put their bins out.
Norfolk locals have called the council’s decision to splash taxpayers’ money on something people should already know a “massive waste”.
The South Norfolk Council app tells residents what they can and can’t recycle and what day to put their bins out – with the option of them setting a reminder for the day, too.
It also lets locals know if there are collection disruptions, and includes a game that’s intended to get youngsters interested in recycling.
But the app, called ReCollect, cost the council £17,000 – the equivalent of about 28p per household in the district.
And while locals are questioning the spending, as they say there doesn’t need to be an app to collate information that can be found online, the council says it’s good value for money.
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Sue Holland, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Broadland District Council, told the Eastern Daily Press: “There are lots of sources for this information, it’s on social media and our websites.
“It’s an interesting idea, but my life is full of apps, I don’t know if I want one for bins as well. Why do they think an app is a good idea?
“I would need more information and reassurance before I could say whether it is a good use of money.”
One woman wrote on the council’s Facebook page: “Did it really cost £17,000?? For a week’s worth of work, tops? It doesn’t even find our address!
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“Credit where it is due, your website is really good for finding this information and so, especially in this economy, this seems like a MASSIVE waste of council tax payer’s money! Are we paying too much perhaps, if you have money left for a project of this nature?”
A council spokesman told EDP: “[The cost] will be more than covered by the savings from less contamination, fewer return trips to pick up missed bins and savings in printing costs.”
The Sun Online has approached the council for further comment.
Meanwhile, others who had already downloaded the app said they were experiencing issues.
One woman wrote on Facebook: “I downloaded the app but it only gives me dates for garden bin collections. Not impressed!”
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While another commented: “I have downloaded the app and our collection day has changed – do we not get any other form of notice anymore – or is it a mistake?”
But there was one fan who took to social media to share their praise: “I downloaded the app and think it’s brilliant, really helpful and much appreciated.”