Twice-a-week trash collection could be axed for good, the Minister of Public Works hinted yesterday.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch said there “had been some recommendations” that a once-a-week schedule should become the norm. But he added: “That’s not a decision they let me make on my own. If I get to that point where I am inclined to head down that road, then it will be a Cabinet decision.

“We will certainly make a decision in that regard during the course of this next nine weeks.”

Colonel Burch said the cash savings and benefits of once-a-week collection “demand we take another look at how we do things and that is precisely what we shall do”.

Colonel Burch was speaking as he announced that once-a week trash collection would be extended until June 29. A ten-week trial period announced in February was scheduled to end next week. Colonel Burch said that the once-a-week schedule had allowed for better management and maintenance of the trash truck fleet which had led to a “marked increase in the number in service on a daily basis”.

Colonel Burch added there had also been a “significant uptick” in the amount of trash picked up over the last eight-week period compared to twice-a-week figures from last year.

He said 71 tonnes more trash had been collected in the seventh week compared to the same period last year — up from 319 to 390 tonsne.

Colonel Burch added that “just under $13,000” had been spent on worker overtime over the first eight weeks of the once-a-week schedule. He said: “We budget $1 million annually for garbage collection overtime — on average we spend approximately $70,000 per month.”

He added the $13,000 in overtime was “attributable solely” to the Saturday collection over the Easter weekend.

Colonel Burch said: “To be clear, we have not spent one penny of taxpayer dollars in unscheduled overtime garbage collection for the entire eight-week period.”

He added that no extra staff would be hired as staff were “presently able to cope under the new arrangements of once-a-week collection”.

Colonel Burch said the savings from once-a-week collection were not limited overtime reductions. He explained: “There have been savings in fuel, wear and tear on vehicles, illness and injuries. Not surprisingly, staff morale has improved as well.”

The public works minister also said that an order for five new trash trucks “should be placed this week”.

He said the vehicles, worth about $700,000, were expected to be in Bermuda within six months. The announcement followed a trip by a team of five last week to UK specialist truck builder Farid Hillend Engineering.

Colonel Burch said: “The trucks meet our specifications. The team were all very comfortable with it and consider that it is the ideal vehicle to meet the needs of Bermuda at this time.”

Colonel Burch said that a deal had been struck with parts suppliers to allow Government to purchase parts direct and for the makers to “provide training and technical support”.

He added: “While there are still some holdouts, in the main people have adjusted and neighbours are taking pride in their own neighbourhoods.”

He also singled out trash workers “who do an outstanding job in collecting our waste”.