South Ayrshire Council
Overview
South Ayrshire Council, serving a mixed urban and rural population of over 112,000 residents and managing collections for approximately 58,000 households, historically offered a free garden waste collection service to around 40,000 properties. With increasing operational pressures and sustainability targets, the council proposed a major shift: transitioning to a chargeable garden waste service in July 2024.
This move required a digital-first solution that would not only handle subscriptions efficiently but also support operational changes with minimal disruption.
Solution
Bartec swiftly partnered with South Ayrshire Council following their budget approval in February 2024. In just three months, Bartec delivered a comprehensive digital solution tailored to the Council’s specific needs. Key features included:
– Online self-service with auto-renewal
– Automated permit sticker generation upon sign-up
– Rolling renewal periods and dynamic pricing (including pro-rata second bin discount)
– Full integration with in-cab technology to streamline crew operations
The Bartec system was delivered for testing by May and went live on 3rd June 2024, just in time for collections to begin in mid-July.
Results
The launch was a major success with gross income reaching £1.2 million, which is more than double the income target for year 1. 14,000 residents signed up for services via the online portal which makes up two thirds of overall sign ups.
South Ayrshire Council has seen a 4% increase in uptake over year 2.
South Ayrshire Council plans to expand its digital journey with Bartec, including:
– Discounts for Council Tax Reduction households
– Digitisation of Commercial Waste collections
– Domestic routing enhancements
– New services like bulky uplifts and Bintuition integration
“The partnership with Bartec has enabled us to modernise a critical service, exceed our income goals, and improve operational efficiency – all within a tight timeframe.”
— Paul Dougall, South Ayrshire Council
- Over 19,000 households signed up - covering 48% of eligible properties
- 22,162 permits issued, with some households taking out multiple subscriptions
- Generated £1.2 million in gross income, more than double the initial target
- Limited complaints related to the new sticker-based permit system
- 4% increase in uptake year 2
