The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “F”) is to brief the Committee on the Service’s response to date with regards to the additional demands and operational difficulties encountered due to the Covid19 pandemic and its effects within the District.

Recommended –

Members are asked to consider this report and the obstacles that Waste Services have had to overcome to maintain this essential operation. Any recommendations to further aid with service provision are welcome.

(Richard Galthen – 01274 431217)

The report of the Interim Strategic Director, Place was submitted to brief Members on the Service’s response to date in relation to additional demands and operational difficulties encountered due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects within the District.  Along with colleagues seconded from Leisure and Theatres, services had been maintained throughout the crisis using innovative methods to ensure social distancing was maintained by crews.  Bulky waste collections were also maintained and were undertaken by a council contractor.  Planning was already underway to maintain provision of services and protect staff going forward.  There was an increase in the tonnage of waste collected during the lockdown period but although this had decreased by August, it was still higher than average.   It was noted in the Officers briefing to Members that waste collection teams were supported by other council departments. 

Four household waste and recycling centres had been re-opened in May with the phased opening of the remainder shortly afterwards.  Officers wished to note that staff were working to ensure that systems were safe with only essential personnel working from offices, and that recognized trade unions had been involved throughout.  Risk assessments had been carried out to ensure that COVID-19 guidance was followed.  A vehicle sanitisation scheme was put in place, and whilst there had been staffing issues, the utilisation of agency staff had been minimal. 

The number of garden waste subscription customers had risen to 42,000 residents paying in but the recyclables market remained volatile.  The contamination of recyclable materials was an on-going problem.  Senior Officers wished to emphasise the massive efforts made by staff during such an unprecedented situation.

Members commented on the following:

·         A Member wished to thank staff for their efforts and asked whether the issue with contaminated recyclables was due to less separation of items and had it affected how much material had been recycled?   Officers advised that dropping off of recyclables was still possible at the start of lockdown and whilst sites had been rearranged, the options for separating was still available – they also acknowledged the significant support given by highways and Traffic Management, which had not been evident in other local authorities.  Senior Officers were keen to recognise the efforts of staff and had already passed on their gratitude by means of notices.

·         Another Member also stated that staff had worked well in adverse circumstances.  The question of vehicle sanitisation was raised and Officers were asked if it would continue.  In response, Officers confirmed that decontamination of vehicles would continue.

·         In relation to trade waste collections – as the demand was not so great, could the frequency of collections be reduced?  In response, Officers advised that tonnages were increasing and there was a new trade waste payment system being introduced.  Collection routes would be managed to be efficient and collections would be halted if payment was not received.  Payments would be based on weight collected using an onboard weighing system as per agreed contracts with the business being serviced.  It was also pointed out that businesses also needed a good recycling offer to allow them to recycle as well as collecting trade waste.  The decision for approval needed to go to The Executive.  A Commercial Manager needed to be recruited to manage the system

·         The Chair requested an overview of the new system – due to go to Executive November/December 2020 for implementation on 1^st April 2021.

·         Another Member wished to congratulate all staff involved in keeping the waste collection service going throughout the pandemic.  In relation to the upgrade on the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) there is much more material going out to a third party.  Could an update be provided as it represents a minimum £3 million investment?  In response, Officers advised that income from recycling had been much higher and 3 shifts had been run which disguised the cost of doing so.  Due to the reduction in income from recycling it was now costing £1.2million.  However the upgrade would bring a saving of £1million or more each year.

·         Another Member wished to show their appreciation to the staff in waste collection and wished it to be extended to all Council staff who had worked throughout such challenging times.  The subject of opening recycling centres and the issue of permits was raised.  Did the difficulties encountered result in a rise in unauthorised tipping elsewhere in the district?  The permit system used by Bradford was not observed at all sites and residents had been refused.  In response, Officers advised that sites throughout West Yorkshire re-opened on 11 May using a variety of systems and Bradford had stipulated that proof of residency was needed when presenting at a site so that a permit could be issued. 

·         A Member queried the next steps with the ongoing model of staffing and delivery. How was it going to re-shape the service and consequential costs?  In response, Officers advised that the district was entering a difficult period with the need to keep staff safe alongside possible adverse weather and the implications of Brexit.  The tipping point for reintroducing measures employed was being looked at in detail as the challenge was not over.  The adverse weather plan had also been discussed at the recent Flood Resilience and Recovery meeting.

·         A Member raised the issue of mental wellbeing and the pressure on staff who faced additional challenges at work and who had been unable to take annual leave.  He also stated that residents were appreciative of the effort and hard work by staff.

·         It was queried whether the Environment Agency (EA) had provided support on waste management during this period.   In response, it was reported: that support had been received from other outside agencies but support on waste management would be discussed directly with EA outside of the meeting.

·         Due to the volatility of the recyclables market, would it be better to incinerate recyclable waste?  It was reported that: incineration costs were higher and recycle and re-use was the best option as it was more sustainable and less costly.

·         One Member was keen on the option of engagement with communities in the event that waste could not be collected .  Officers reported that the continued delivery of services was a concern and agreed with the need to engage with communities.

·         What would happen in the event of a major flood incident whilst restrictions around COVID-19 were still in place.  Had a plan been developed and how would the situation be managed?  It was reported that this had been discussed at the Flood R&R meeting and preparation was underway should this occur.

·         Was there a contingency in place for winter and could staff be re-purposed?  Was the MRF coming back to the Committee for consideration and discussion?  Officers responded that normal contingency would not be adequate in view of COVID-19 and a meeting was already scheduled for the following day to address this.  In relation to the upgrade to the MRF,  final proposals would be reported to the Committee prior to going to the Executive.

Resolved –

(1)  That the obstacles that staff have had to overcome during the Covid-19 pandemic be noted and the deep gratitude of Members be expressed to them for all their hard, and continued, work during the current pandemic.

(2)  That it be noted that Members expressed their support for a reward for staff across Waste Services in recognition of their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place