Issue - meetings

This report updates on progress with respect to the One Council Waste and Street Cleansing Review, in particular implementing and communicating the waste collection changes that are to be implemented as part of that project.

Chris Whyte (Head of Environment Management, Environment and Management Services) introduced this item and updated Members on the progress of implementing the new arrangements for the waste collection service.  The committee heard that the issuing of new bins was now in its second week, with most households receiving larger 240 litre bins, although smaller ones were being issued where there was insufficient space.  In addition, around 30,000 homes were being provided with food waste bins.  The issuing of new bins was slightly ahead of schedule and was due for completion in two weeks.  Four to five distribution crews were issuing on average around 1,000 new bins per crew each day.  There was also a crew dedicated to providing bins to properties that had been missed and they were operating on a twice weekly basis.  Chris Whyte confirmed that the new waste collection service would commence on 3 October.  In the meantime, additional temporary staff had been recruited at the Call Centre to answer queries from residents about the new service and there was also an e-mail address they could send their questions or comments to.  Overall, the feedback from residents received to date was largely positive and they understood what changes were being made and the reasons why.  The main concern that had been raised was that some residents felt that the bin provided was too large and officers were visiting these properties to assess what bin size would be most appropriate.

David Pietropaoli (Waste Policy Manger, Environment and Neighbourhood Services) then provided details of the communications and community engagement plan to support the household waste collection strategy.  He explained that that there were three phases to the plan, with the first phase being a ‘teaser campaign’ over the summer which sought to change residents’ expectations and to prepare them for the change in service on 3 October, whilst reassuring them the current arrangements would remain in the place up until then.  Articles were appearing in the Brent Magazine and its Green Pages section and leaflets.  Phase two of the plan involved the first stage of the aim communications campaign starting in September and would include information on the new waste collection arrangements in greater detail, again through articles in the Brent Magazine, its Green Pages section, and distribution of a 12 page explanatory leaflet and a colour-coded collection calendar.   A Frequency Asked Questions section based on type of property was also available on the council’s website.  David Pietropaoli added that there was also various intranet articles for staff and e-mails sent to councillors explaining the changes.  Phase two of the main communications campaign would commence in June 2012.

During Members’ discussion, Councillor Beckman enquired whether clear sacks were provided in respect of battery recycling.  Councillor Mitchell Murray suggested that the leaflets remind residents that the council offered a free bulky waste removal service, whilst the disused grey bins could be put to other useful means such as collecting rain water to use in the drier summer months.  She also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4