Agenda item
Waste Collection
This report provides a progress update with respect to the One Council Waste and Street Cleansing Review, in particular the performance of the waste collection and street cleansing services that were changed as part of that project.
Minutes:
The Head of Recycling and Waste, Chris Whyte introduced the report and provided a progress update with respect to the One Council Waste and Street Cleansing Review, in particular the performance of the waste collection and street cleansing services that were changed as part of that project. Chris Whyte highlighted key progress statistics detailed within the report including; an increase in the overall recycling rate from 29% to 41% incorporating a 14% reduction in total waste, a 28% reduction in household waste landfilled; a 36% increase in waste recycled and a 6% increase in waste composted.
The Head of Recycling and Waste stated that reductions in street cleansing had led to deterioration in some areas and compared to 2010/11 the number of streets showing a less than acceptable level of litter increased by 5% and the number of streets showing a less than acceptable level of detritus increased by 6%.
The Head of Recycling and Waste explained that the strategy set a clear ambition to recycle 50% by 2014, with the Government’s goal seeking to reach 60% by 2015. In those areas that had been identified as needing particular attention, officers would work to engage with councillors and community groups to understand local concerns and to develop solutions.
The Head of Recycling and Waste concluded stating that the second phase of the project to improve the new service and to procure the waste service contract for 2014 onwards was being implemented and was at an early stage.
During the discussion that followed, members queried the target recycling rate and whether it was the Government target of 60% or the Council’s 50% should be aimed for. Although 50% was considered to be a realistic target for the service in its current form, the Head of Recycling and Waste explained that if future initiatives and improvements into how waste was treated were explored, then the 60% target could be achieved. It was noted that although there was still progress to be made, a seasonal uplift was expected and that the true effect of the new system was likely to be higher with the potential to reach the 50% target by April 2013.
Members queried the intended duration of the new waste contract and although the standard duration was seven years to coincide with the life expectancy of a waste disposal vehicle, the Head of Recycling and Waste explained that the contract length was not yet decided and the optimum length would be determined once work was underway.
Following queries from the members, it was reported that the service was now operating a full complement of staff with one member of the team on long term sick leave. Additionally, the service would be bidding for funding from the weekly collection support scheme which would be used to improve the organic waste collection service.
Members expressed concern regarding fly tipping and dumping in the area, (in particular the continued dumping in former boxes) uncollected rubbish that was becoming contaminated in gardens and engagement with landlords. The Head of Recycling and Waste noted that it was a problem in certain parts of the borough where the new waste regime had not been embraced and focused work was being undertaken to improve the situation without additional resource for example through changes to collection days. Additionally it was noted that some households may have unused bins from the previous collection regime which were unsightly and a potential hazard.
Councillor Lorber recommended that a one off exercise be undertaken with the contractor to collect and clear green boxes which were clearly being used for refuse to help improve the recycling rates for the future. The Head of Recycling and Waste stated that the practicalities and costs would need to be discussed with the contractor and the risks of removing items from gardens that may be in use. With regard to landlords, work was being undertaken to identify persons responsible and issue first stage enforcement. Members highlighted the free collection service offered by the Council and requested literature to circulate to target specific areas on ward walks. It was agreed that a prototype literature would be made available although it was noted that the service was not available to landlords. It was explained that flats were behind in recycling rates as communal points were an obstacle, with work being undertaken to identify areas and initiatives to address the issues. Members also raised concerns over additional charges for businesses to have more than one bin and the continued problem of bins left on the streets for extended periods. Members were encouraged to report problems to the council as soon as possible.
RESOLVED:-
that the report be noted
Supporting documents: