North Somerset Council has confirmed that its recycling chatbot is functioning correctly and providing accurate information to residents. This statement follows concerns raised at a recent council meeting where a councillor claimed the chatbot was frustrating users by delivering incorrect waste collection details.
A council spokesperson emphasized, “There is no issue with the accuracy of bin collection date information provided by the bot. It delivers consistent, up-to-date details directly sourced from our waste and recycling systems.”
The concerns stemmed from a single complaint about a missed waste collection. In that case, the chatbot informed a resident that a missed collection reported on a Friday would be completed within 48 hours. However, due to operational pressures, the team was unable to meet this timeframe. The council is reviewing the incident to understand the cause fully.
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Peter Burden, a councillor from Portishead South (Conservative), had expressed frustration over this case, stating, “I think the bot is really causing problems.” In response, Annemieke Waite, the council’s cabinet member responsible for recycling, assured that she would investigate the matter personally, highlighting the dedication of the council’s officers to providing accurate information.
The council reiterated its commitment to quality service, noting that its waste and recycling teams complete over a million collections each month. While missed collections are rare, the council acknowledged the frustration they cause and apologized for the isolated incident.
Residents are encouraged to report any missed collections to the council to ensure timely resolution. Alongside the chatbot, North Somerset Council offers an app and extensive online resources to provide residents with accessible and reliable waste and recycling information.