Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillor Dave Murphy, Shadow Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Culture, was disappointed to learn that the bin app introduced in 2018 has been discontinued.

The R4GM bin app for mobile phones contained information such as ‘Where’s my nearest …?’, ‘When’s my bin collected?’, ‘What do I do with..?’, ‘What can I recycle at home?’ And a Contact Us.

At the Full Meeting of Oldham Council in July 2016, Councillor Murphy brought a motion asking for a local bin app for Oldham which was almost unanimously supported across the Chamber.

Councillor Murphy said “I have used the app myself many times which can help sign post you from what to put in the right bin and what goes where.  I was really pleased when I learned that the then Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority introduced an app a year or so later”.

Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness, who seconded Councillor Murphy’s motion, added: “I have also used the app and found it really helpful and the feedback I have received from local residents, when I have directed them to it, has been positive.  When we are looking to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill the app can only be a good thing.  It was quick and easy to use, and the information you needed was at your fingertips.”

“We need to use such technology in our fight to increase ‘re use’ and ‘recycling’ and therefore save cash for much need community projects.  I do hope a version of this app can be reintroduced soon!”  Stated councillor Murphy.

The response Councillor Murphy received from Oldham Council Waste Officers reads:

“GMCA did decommission the app earlier in the year.

We have been in discussion with them since though as they are currently trying to understand the requirements from each of the nine districts in terms of the app. As well as understanding cost implications and the effectiveness of the app etc.

So currently it’s with them for them to analyse and make a decision about. They haven’t given any timelines for this”.