South Norfolk Council spends more than £20,000 a year on bin collection apps

An app that reminds people of their bin collection days is costing a district council tens of thousands of pounds, it has been revealed.

The Bin Collections South Norfolk app includes information about collection schedules, as well as a game which tests your knowledge on recycling, such as how to dispose of pet fur and scrap metal.

It cost South Norfolk Council around £17,000 to set up the app in 2022, and £21,000 in annual fees to cover operational costs.

While much of this information is readily available online, the council insists the app represents good value for money and has been very popular since its launch.

The authority said the app had been downloaded and used by 24,000 people – 17 per cent of its 140,000 population.

A council spokesman said: “South Norfolk collects just over four million bins per year, so against the annual cost of the app, you have to offset the reduction in return visits to collect missed bins.

“The app also helps at times when we have to change collection dates, such as Easter and Christmas, and it
also tells residents what goes into which bin, helping with our recycling.”

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